William David Hylton

Born in Praise, KY (now known as Elkhorn City, KY), on March 6, 1935. David was the son of the late Matthew Grayson Hylton and Evalee Ellen Burton.

David was a decorated Navy veteran who served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. He was a master finish carpenter; he owned a construction/home improvement business in Odessa, TX, and also worked as a civilian in carpenter shops on military bases for over 25 years. He worked as the maintenance manager for Ivy Terrace Apartments in Bishopville, SC for several years.

David loved buying and selling antiques; together he and his late wife, Mary Lee, owned and operated stores in Odessa, TX, Sumter, SC, and McCormick, SC. They enjoyed traveling as well, and took many road trips across the United States.

He was an enthusiastic collector of knives, and loved to tinker with and repair old watches. He was also an avid reader, knowledgeable about a myriad of topics including beekeeping, real estate, horticulture, antiques, history, pioneering, and many other subjects.

David was a devoted husband and father. He leaves behind nine children: Beth (Rick) Gabovitz of Walnutport, PA, Davy Hylton of Freeman, VA, Sandra [Suzie] (Don) Hendrix of Bowling Green, VA, Timna Crawford of Bowie, TX, Derrick (Amanda) Hylton of Huntsville, TX, Kandie Norred of Elgin, SC, Kathie (Wes) Hicks of Greenwood, SC, Damon Hylton of Pueblo, CO, Daniel (Abbagayle) Hylton of West Columbia, SC; 26 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Feb. 20, 11:00 a.m. at Crossroads World Outreach Center, 2606 Emmanuel Church Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170.

A celebration of life is planned for later, followed by a private burial in a family cemetery in Centenary, SC.