David Leon Mears, Jr.

David Leon Mears, Jr. (DL) 84, was born on September 9, 1940 in Islandton, South Carolina.  He was the son of the late David Mears, Sr. and Gladys Clayton Mears. He passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Hampton County Hospital surrounded by his wife and children. 

He served in the U. S. Army with extended time served in Japan. After his discharge from the U. S. Army, David  lived in Brooklyn, New York for a few years and then returned to his beloved hometown of Islandton. He was joined in matrimony to Shirley Louvenia Thomas in 1969.  Their union resulted in two children: Daughter, Sonya and son Novallis. David (DL) was a Christian and committed member of Deep Creek Missionary Baptist having accepted Christianity as a young boy. He graduated from Colleton County Public Schools and was a talented drummer in the class of 1957. David (DL) was a dedicated employee in the tubing department at International Paper for thirty-two years. He was a dedicated NASCAR, NFL fan and animal advocate for the family pet dogs Jax and Chyna.

David Leon Mears, Jr. is survived by his wife, Shirley; Daughter, Sonya; Son, Novallis; Grandson, Demetrius; Granddaughters, Noel and Nadia; great-grand daughter, Nyomi; Two brothers, Kenneth (Marie) and Gelephia (Shermenia);Sister, Andrea Fritzsheryl Kennedy; Sisters in- law, Caroline Calice, Linda Gant, Violet Smith; Brother-in-law George Fennell and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews, other relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Leon Mears, Jr., please visit our floral store.