" I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith."

II Timothy 4:7

David A. Gethers was the oldest of six children born to Reverend Octavius and Mrs. Elouise Cooper Gethers. He was born June 6, 1923, in Berkeley County, South Carolina, and transitioned into eternal rest with the Lord on his 94th birthday, June 6, 2017, at his home.

David was educated in the Berkeley County Public School System. He furthered his education at South Carolina State College, Orangeburg, SC.  His first job was at Santee Cooper working as a landscaper. Later, he advanced his career and opened a shoe repair shop in Moncks Corner, SC, as well as operated a bus line that transported members of the community to various venues.

In 1943, David was drafted in the United States Army during World War II.  He later served in the Korean War.  After the Korean War, he attended school with the military and became a helicopter mechanic.  David served as a Platoon Sergeant in the Vietnam War.  He was responsible for 25 helicopters and 75 men.  He also handled dignitary visits. He would often reminisce about President Kennedy's visit to the troops.  David earned a Bronze Star during the Vietnam War.  While serving in the military, he toured several places in the United States (Fort Dix, Fort Bragg, Fort Jackson, Fort Rucker, Fort Benning, Fort Lewis, Fort Robert and Camp Proving Ground), as well as overseas, in the Philippines, Japan and Germany.  In 1968, he was honorably discharged from the military after serving 20 years.

As a young retiree, David was employed at Amoco as an Aeronautics Specialist.  Having an entrepreneurial spirit, he built a service station and grocery store, Gethers Gulf & Grocery, while still working at Amoco.  He operated the business until his retirement. His success in business can be attributed to his strong work ethic.

In 1947, David married Pola Brown.  This union was blessed with five children.

In his early years, David became a member of Mt. Carmel AME Church.  He was a dedicated and faithful member.  With humility, he served in several capacities: Steward Pro-Tem, Finance Chairman, Class Leader of Class #5, and a member of the Church School and the Church Anniversary Committee.

David was united in holy matrimony to Evelyn Lambright on March 28, 1986.

David was active in his community. He was a member of Moncks Corner Lodge #323, F.&A.M., the NAACP, the Cherry Hill Community Center Restoration Project and the Santee Circle Volunteer Fire Department.

David had a passion for fishing and loved going out on his boat. He would share his "catch" with family and friends.

His life and legacy was serving others and being a friend to all.  Samuel Walter Foss wrote "Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man." David was a friend to mankind and positively impacted many lives through his wisdom, generosity and kindness.  He provided opportunities for others to better themselves.  He was well respected in the community and will be remembered for his sweet gentle spirit, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Those left to cherish his memory: his wife, Evelyn L. Gethers; sons, David Jerome Gethers, Elder Wilbur O. Gethers (Lutrica), Michael Gethers (Margarita) and Douglas A. Gethers (Ruby); stepson, Herman Jenkins (Rev. Yvonne); adopted children, Marvin and Barbara Flynn; siblings, Harry A. Gethers, Ethel G. Davis, Joseph James Gethers (Flora) and Alma G. Brown; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; son-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Gloria Gethers Byrd; and brothers, Rev. Octavius A. Gethers, Jr. and Francis Wright.

Let me live in my house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by-
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish- so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat
Or hurl the cynic's ban?-
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

- Samuel Walter Foss

(Excerpt from "The House by the Side of the Road")