Pickens, S.C.--The kind, gentle soul of W. David Gravely left us on July 10, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born in Pickens on August 31, 1932 to Tom and Mae Gravely and as he always said “born in a house with no electricity.” After graduating from Pickens High School, he attended his beloved Wofford College, class of 1954. And then went to the army and was stationed in Ingrandes, France for the next 18 months during which he traveled around Europe. While at Wofford, he met the love of his life and soulmate, Louise White. He returned from service in France, they married in October 1956 and stood by each other’s side for the next 63 years.
David never met a stranger or a person he could not strike up a conversation with. After his stint in the army, he returned to Pickens to work with his father at the Gravely Agency-Insurance and Real Estate where he still “worked” or at least showed up for work until several weeks before his death. He also served as a certified appraiser, REA Express Agent (the precursor to today’s package delivery services) and was a home builder. During his years in Pickens, he served on many boards including Cannon Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, SCN Bank Advisory Board, Grace United Methodist Church Board of Trustees and numerous other community and civic organizations. During his life, he loved playing golf, traveling to baseball games and golf trips with his wife and friends and most importantly hanging out with his family. He was a life-long member of Grace United Methodist Church.
David was predeceased by his wife Louise. He is survived by his 3 sons Tommy (Debbie), Perry (Kathryn) and Bill (fiance Marsha Patterson), grandchildren Mitchell Gravely (Rachel), Justin Gravely (Jenni), Karen Gravely, Lucas Gravely (Katie), Matt Gravely (currently serving in U.S. Marines) and step grandchildren Zach Johnson, Cole Edmonson (Betty) and Michael Edmonson (fiance Mel Pacheco);and great grandchildren: Riggs Gravely, Weston Gravely, Wyatt Gravely, Gwyn Gravely, Stafford Edmonson, Wright Edmonson and Graham Edmonson. He is also survived by his favorite niece Janice Cubbage and nephews Lewis Miller, Jr. (Ree) and Michael White (Shelia) and many other nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. The family wanted to give special thanks to Janet Candler, his wonderful and kind sitter for the last 9 months of his life.
He will be entombed in a private service at the mausoleum at Hillcrest Memorial Park, followed by a memorial service at 1pm on July 14, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens, S.C. with visitation in the fellowship hall following the service. In lieu of flower, memorials may be sent to Senior Center at Hagood Community Center, 129 Schoolhouse St., Pickens, S.C. 29671 or Boy Scout Troop 51, P.O. Box 219, Pickens, S.C. 29671. Dillard Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family.
