David Michael Flynn

David Michael Flynn, 92, of Elgin, SC, died Saturday, March 9, at home surrounded by family. Born March 13, 1931, in Gary, Indiana, he was the son of the late William J. Flynn, Jr. and Catherine (Wiltzius) Flynn. He was valedictorian in the graduating class of 1949 at Horace Mann High School in Gary, Indiana. He attended the University of Notre Dame from 1949-1953. Mr. Flynn was a member of the football team at Notre Dame from 1949-1950 before being sidelined with shoulder injuries. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Commerce from Notre Dame in 1953, and enlisted in the US Navy upon leaving the University. He served as the supply corp officer aboard several ships in the Mediterranean Sea, before being honorably discharged from the Navy. He spent several years in Texas with his brother William “Bill” J. Flynn III coaching high school football. Following this, he began a career as a salesman in the refractory industry supplying steel mills in Pittsburgh, PA. He earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Duquesne University while working in Pittsburgh. He relocated to the suburbs of Birmingham, AL in 1981 while continuing his career progression. Mr. Flynn spent 40 years with various steel companies, rising to the position of Regional Sales Manager at the twilight of his career.

Mr. Flynn lived for his family, his faith, and his community. His children all attended St. Thomas More parochial school in Pittsburgh, where he was an active member of the parish in the Adult Choir and served as Parish Council President. He and his family were members of St. Peter’s Church in Hoover, AL, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cullman, AL, and finally St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Columbia, SC. He spent his personal time coaching and cheering his childrens’ and grandchildrens’ sports teams, tutoring them in schoolwork, and teaching them the patience of gardening and fresh water fishing in Land O Lakes, WI and Alabama. He instilled the beliefs of hard work and loyalty in his children, and enabled all 6 to graduate from college with Bachelor’s degrees and several Advanced degrees. He was a craftsman—a self-taught baker and woodworker. He loved gardening, reading, and all things Notre Dame and Pittsburgh sports. He volunteered at several charities in Columbia, SC with his wife Paula until his passing.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by five sisters, one brother, and his eldest daughter Eileen Flynn Turnage. He is survived by the best decision of his life, his wife Paula Fry Flynn, to whom he was married for 63 glorious years. He is also survived by his son David Michael (Mickey) Flynn, Jr. and wife Kylie Kavanagh of Winston-Salem, NC; daughter Moira Suzanne Flynn of Hoover, AL; and sons Daniel Paul Flynn of Helena, AL; Patrick William Flynn and wife Sharon of Mason, OH; and Terence Colin Flynn and wife Debbie of Elgin, SC. He was blessed to share life with fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sister Suzanne Whitehead of Elgin, SC and brother Jerome Flynn of Valparaiso, IN.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral mass on Saturday, March 16 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Columbia, SC. He will be interred at St. Joseph’s Columbarium. Mr. Flynn felt deeply about helping the needy in the community, and in lieu of flowers, he would prefer contributions be made by family and friends to a charity of their choosing.