David was born and raised in the tobacco farming community of Hemingway, South Carolina. When a young boy, his parents were involved in the establishment and building of the first Southern Methodist Church. His life revolved around school, working on the farm and church.

After graduating from high school, he went off to Newberry College. When he completed his Freshman year he enlisted in the Air Force and served three years in the Korean War as a medic. Once his tour of duty was over he returned to Newberry College and graduated in 1957 with a degree in Natural Sciences.

While in college he met Loretta Werts, a native of Newberry, and after she graduated from Newberry College they were married in 1959. They moved to Charleston where David was working in the lab as a chemist with V-C Chemical Coimpany.

Their son, Jimmy, and their daughter, Stewart, were born in the '60's. In 1965 David was asked to join the newly constructed Trident Technical College in Charleston and develop the Chemistry Department. He did this and taught chemistry there, plus other related subjects, for twenty years.

During the years of working at TTC he completed the Conference Course of Studies for Ministers at Southern Methodist College. He also served as Lay-Leader for the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Southern Methodist Church and spoke in many churches.

In 1985 he retired from teaching and was called that same year to serve as pastor of the First Southern Methodist Church of North Charleston where he continues to minister.