David Morris Altus

David Morris Altus (better known as "Grumpy" to all those who loved him) age 80 of Lexington, SC died peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025. He was born in Waco, Texas, and was the son of the late Robert Walter Altus and Adeline Catherine Deiterman Altus. He graduated with his Doctorate in Educational Research and Statistics from New Mexico State University. He was a veteran of the United States Army. For many years he advocated for higher education assuming various roles at universities and technical colleges as a professor in computer programming. He served as the Director of the Data Processing Center at the South Carolina Department of Education.

David enjoyed spending time in his Hooch tinkering with electronics including computers, circuits, transistors, and more. He loved watching Atlanta Braves baseball games and South Carolina football games with family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening and going to the Farmers Market. He rescued and cared for many animals and loved spending time outside watching wildlife. Grumpy was most happy at Lake Wateree where he spent countless hours listening to AM radio shows while sitting in the shade and fishing from the dock.

David is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Hunter Wood Altus; his daughter, Jody Altus Westcott (Rick Mondy); his sons, Troy Altus and Jared Altus (Georgia); his brother, Mark Altus (Bonnie); his sisters, Mary Britt and Cecilee McPheeters and his seven grandsons, William Westcott IV, Jack Westcott, Ford Westcott, Jerren Mondy, Woods Altus, Beckman Altus, and Cash Altus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Wayne Altus and infant brother, Randall Joseph Altus.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. A private memorial will be held by the family at a later date.