David Ervin Hendricks

He was born on August 23rd, 1942, to Eva Sherman Hendricks and Alton Parker Hendricks. David grew up on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance. He was a hardworking and intelligent man who possessed great wisdom, a wonderful sense of humor, and a genuine gift for making people feel comfortable and welcome.

During his high school years at Pickens High School, David was a star football player and the school's star running back. He graduated in 1960 and was voted "Best Looking" in his senior yearbook. His friends and family affectionately knew him by the nickname "Smiley," a fitting name for a man known for his big smile and cheerful personality. At just 16 years old, he became the proud owner of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, reflecting his adventurous spirit from a young age. He later graduated from Anderson College with a degree in Business Administration. David proudly served in the Army National Guard, beginning in 1961. He worked for Singer Ryobi for 35 years as a department manager. He was also an inventor who acquired multiple patents during his lifetime.

Faith was central in David's life. He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and youth leader at Griffin Baptist Church in Pickens. In his later years, he was a regular member at Northside Baptist Church, where he loved his church family. He had a deep love for music and enjoyed playing harmonica and banjo. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping pastimes that brought him great joy and allowed him to spend time outdoors.

David married Joyce Gibson Hendricks in 1965. They had one son, John David Hendricks, who was the love and pride of his life. After Joyce's passing in 1991, David and John David shared a particularly close bond, and for many years it was just the two of them. He was a wonderful, devoted father who loved his son with all his heart. For the last 17 years of his life, David shared a special friendship and companionship with Jan Hendricks.

He will be remembered for his big smile, quick wit, intelligence and wisdom, strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, love of music, devotion to his faith, and the love he gave so freely to those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eva Sherman Hendricks and Alton Parker Hendricks, his wife Joyce Gibson Hendricks, and his brother, Sherman Hendricks.

He is survived by his beloved son, John David Hendricks (Ashton).

A funeral service for David will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at Northside Baptist Church, 421 Sangamo Road, Pickens, SC with visitation to begin at 12:30 PM. A committal service with military honors will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pickens, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northside Baptist Church, https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZP0P/home.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.