David Charles Buckwalter

David Buckwalter, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Born at Fort Benning, Georgia, on January 4, 1945, he was the son of the late Lt. Colonel Charles Kenneth Buckwalter and Mildred Focht Buckwalter.

As the son of a military family, David spent his childhood living in Germany, Japan, and Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania before his parents eventually settled in Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated as a member of the first graduating class of A.C. Flora High School in 1962.

David proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1969. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Marksman qualification. A gifted musician, David served as an Army Bandsman, performing as a trombonist and serving as Drum Major. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he also had the unique opportunity to assist in the filming of the 1965 motion picture We Will Remember.

Music remained one of the great passions of David’s life. He had a deep love for brass instruments and found joy in both practicing and performing. Though the trombone was his favorite instrument, he was also talented on the trumpet and baritone. Music gave him a meaningful way to connect with others and express himself throughout his life.

David was a proud member of both the Columbia Community Concert Band and the German Band. Being part of these groups brought him immense happiness, as he cherished the camaraderie and the opportunity to share his music with the community. He especially enjoyed performing for others, always appreciating the joy that music could bring to those around him.

In addition to music, David deeply appreciated the outdoors. He loved spending time in the woods, where he found peace and contentment in nature. An avid hunter, he valued the quiet moments and the companionship of close friends during these outings. He especially treasured the time spent with his good friend, Russell Cooper. While hunting was something he enjoyed, what mattered most to David was simply being outside, taking in the beauty of nature and sharing those experiences with others.

David graduated from Midlands Technical College in 1973 while employed at C&S Bank. He built a dedicated career as a COBOL programmer, working for C&S Bank, SCN Bank, and Policy Management Systems Corporation.

Later in life, David opened his own business, Restored Memories. Through this work, he brought new life to cherished moments by digitizing and restoring photos and videos from old paper prints, slides, and VHS tapes. He found great fulfillment in helping others preserve their memories, ensuring that treasured family moments could be enjoyed for generations to come. He took pride in the quality of his work and the relationships he built with his customers. David was always willing to lend his time and expertise, and he approached each project with care and dedication. More than anything, he appreciated the opportunity to help people reconnect with their past, and it brought him genuine happiness to know his work made a meaningful difference in others’ lives.

David was a member of McGregor Presbyterian Church in Irmo, South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Johnson Buckwalter; his first wife, Toshiko Buckwalter; his daughter, Suzanne Lemons; his stepson, Bobby James; his sisters, Sandra Frick-Helms and Susan Buckwalter Mitchell Thomas; and his brother-in-law and close friend, George Mitchell.

He is survived by his daughter, Alfie Hipps (Gabe); stepson, Eric James (Rebekah); stepdaughter, Amy Sizemore (M.J.); sister, Georgette Sandifer; brother-in-law, Bob Hudson; grandchildren, Bryson and Edie Hipps, and Bobby, M.J., Stryker, Nautis, and Rebel Sizemore; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Lexington Community Hospice House for their compassionate care and kindness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo SC, 29063 on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of the funeral home. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service.