David S. Neilson

Darlington, South Carolina David S. Neilson of Darlington passed away on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 2 PM at Central Baptist Church, 512 Spring Street, Darlington, SC 29532. The family will receive friends following the service Sunday at the church. Burial will be on Monday, October 8, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Oconee Memorial Park in Seneca, SC. All services are being directed by Kistler Hardee Funeral Home of Darlington. Coach Neilson was born in Chicago and lived most of his life in South Carolina. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Howard Neilson. Dave graduated from Aiken High School and earned his 4 year letterman scholarship for basketball with the University of South Carolina where he majored in Business. He served his country in the United States Army and was very instrumental in starting the first A and W Root Beer franchise in South Carolina. Dave taught history and marketing at St. John’s High School in Darlington which later became Darlington High School. He coached basketball for many years, and won the State Championship 27-0. Dave retied and continued his coaching career at Byrnes Academy in Quinby. He along with his wife where members of Central Baptist Church where he served as Deacon. Dave also officiated with the South Carolina Independent Schools to include football, basketball, baseball and soccer. He inspired many people and enjoyed performing magic shows. He will be sorely missed by his community in which he called home “Darlington”. Surviving are his wife, Denny Woodall Neilson; his brothers-in-law, G. Michael Woodall and S.Y. Woody Woodall (Brenda); his sisters-in-law, Katherine W. Cartee and Bette Hair (William); his nieces and nephews, Lawrence Woodall; Gary Cartee, Esq.; Travis Cartee; Dr. Greg Cartee; Caylor Nuth; Kimberly Chandler; Kim James (Roy); Sherri Gaulin; and Vic Woodall; and several cousins and extended family. Dave was preceded in death by his brother, Colonel Eugene Neilson. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, 512 Spring Street, Darlington, SC 29532. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.kistlerhardeefuneralhome.com