Manuscript Collection

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Identifier

Accession 1439

Inclusive Dates

1922-2012

Restrictions

Open under the rules and regulations of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections

Collection Size

16,000 pieces

Language

English

Historical Note

Obituary published in The State on September 18, 2012.

COLUMBIA - David A. Epting, Jr., 90, was born in Columbia, South Carolina and was the son of Annie Davis Epting (a teacher in Columbia City Schools) and David Andrew Epting, Sr. (a pharmacist at Wingfield's Drug Store). After completing Taylor, Wardlaw, and Columbia High Schools, David enrolled at Newberry College where he completed work on a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Before graduation, he enrolled in the United States Navy's V-12 Officers' Training Program, which he completed in 1943. He received his commission at Notre Dame and completed the Navy Supply Corps School at Harvard. He attained the rank of Commander, USNR. After his service to his country was completed, David was employed by the U.S. Postal Service. In 1948, he joined Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, became the South Carolina Cashier in 1955 and retired as Treasury Cashier in 1982. David's community activities included the Executive Club of Columbia (President), Town Theatre Board of Governors (three terms), Columbia Lion's Club (President), South Carolina State Lion's Club (District Governor), North Marion Street (Cottontown) Community Association (Treasurer) and President's Committee of Newberry College. His honors included the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at Newberry College, Volunteer of the Year (Eye Bank) and Lion of the Year for the Columbia Lion's Club. David was baptized at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in the old Church (now the Chapel) and was a life-long member, serving as a Sunday school teacher and a council member. He also achieved the status of "Honorary Council Member" for his service to the Church. He occupied the same pew for 81 years. His wife, Julie Derrick Epting, survives him. David served his Lord by ministering to the sick, the needy, the elderly and people from all walks of life. His love and service to mankind is known throughout the Midlands. He leaves friends of all ages that will cherish his memory forever. He made a difference in each of the lives he touched and all are better for having known him. David's legacy will live on through the David A. Epting Scholarship Fund at Newberry College, which he endowed in memory of his father and also in the restoration of the Chapel at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the David A. Epting Scholarship Fund at Newberry College, 2100 College Street, Newberry, South Carolina 29108. Also, memorials may be directed to the Ebenezer Chapel Maintenance Fund, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201-2578. A private burial was held at Elmwood Cemetery on Sunday, September 16, 2012. David's twinkling eyes and shy, sweet smile were beacons to be enjoyed by all he met. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16) A Memorial Service will take place on Friday, September 21, 2012, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church at 4:00 P.M. Music will begin at 3:30 P.M. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

PUBLISHED IN THE STATE ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2012

Scope and Content Note

The David A. Epting Papers consist of David Epting’s correspondence, lecture, and teaching materials, rough notes, books, photographs, newspaper clippings, and artifacts. Most of the material pertains to Epting’s career and experience in the United States Navy, the Naval Reserves, in several colleges and universities, and the Second World War. Most notably is Epting’s correspondence which includes not only letters from him to his family during WWII but also letters to him from his family. His letters give a good picture of a young naval officer’s experience in the war. The letters from his family to Epting give a very good description of the Home Front in South Carolina during WWII. Eptings mother, Annie Davis Epting, was a 1909 graduate of Winthrop.

Additional Notes

Several items including photographs, correspondence, sewing book, and 1909 Tatler belonging to Mr. Epting’s mother (Annie Davis Epting ‘09) were transferred to Accession 1324, Annie David Collection

Provenance

The David A. Epting Papers were given to the Archives on March 25, 2013 by Julie Derrick Epting (spouse).

Copyright

For information concerning copyright please contact the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University.

David A. Epting Papers - Accession 1439

LC Subject Headings

Epting, David Andrew, Jr., 1922-2012--Archives; United States. Naval Reserve--History--World War, 1939-1945; World War, 1939-1945--Veterans; World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American; World War, 1939-1945--South Carolina; World War, 1939-1945--Collectibles

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