Obituary of David Leon Withers

WEST COLUMBIA—David Leon Withers, partner of Grant Lorick, died June 13, 2013 in West Columbia. David, co-owner of Something Special Florist of Columbia, was a U.S.C. graduate and a retired state employee. As a community activist for equal rights, David helped establish Lutherans Concerned, an all-inclusive religious organization that welcomed everyone regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. David found the same loving welcome as a member of Reformation Lutheran Church. David lived these words of Maya Angelou: "When I reflect on my family and friends, I am lifted up in celebration." Those blessed by his life included his loving partner of 16 years, Grant Lorick; his "sister cousin", Darlene Ker (Jim) of Cayce; brother, Gerald Blanchard (Cindy) of Lugoff; nieces, Jessica, Hannah, Autumn and Savannah, a loving extended family, and more friends than we can list. Services for David Leon Withers will be held at Reformation Lutheran Church, 1118 Union St., Columbia, on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 3:30 p.m., with Rev. Jim Nichols and Rev. Patricia Volker officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:30-3:30 p.m. prior to the service at church. Burial will be private.