David Lee Soles: Loris

1941 – 2023

     David Lee Soles of Loris passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 25, surrounded by family. He was 81.

     He was born on March 22, 1941, to Reba Mae and Simon Soles, Jr.

     David graduated from Loris High School in 1960 and married his wife, Linda, in 1963. He went on to enjoy a very successful career as an expert Pipefitter and, although most of his job sites were frequently out of town, David’s heart remained in Loris so he traveled home most weekends. Although he was eligible to retire many years ago, David continued to work as a teacher and mentor until late 2021, when he was sidelined by his illness.

     David is survived by his wife Linda and three children, Steve, Teresa and Melissa; grandchildren Chris, Katie, Jesse, Kenny Wayne, Chris, Mia, and Damien; great-grandchildren, Bryant, Brooklynn, Brynnley, Ella Rae, Laiken, Kenny Wayne Jr., Bella, Jolie, Kadance, and Mack; his two brothers and sister, Doug, Brice, and Sylvia.

     David was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Judy.

     Like many other men of his generation, David’s childhood was not an easy one. His days were spent attending school, playing football, and working the tobacco fields and farm. It wasn’t always all hard work though; David and his siblings managed to stir up their fair share of shenanigans. The stories that David’s siblings have shared from their childhood are guaranteed to make you laugh and cry and are reminiscent of a time when life was much simpler. Growing up, their family was the center of their universe and that bond has remained unbreakable.

     A man with simple tastes, David was most comfortable in a pair of overalls and t-shirt. He was a man of few words but you always knew where you stood with him. He was a perfect example of what it means to be a man of integrity, loving, generous, hard-working, supportive, and soft-spoken. David would tell you that his greatest accomplishment in life was his children. His love for his family was always on display for all to see. His generosity and desire to provide his children with their best life possible, came before anything else. David’s family ties were not bound by blood; over the years, many of his co-workers became an extension of his family and we’re so grateful to welcome them here to celebrate his life today.

     David’s second great passion in life was cars. Some of David’s most prized possessions are his collections of vintage vehicles and Jeff Gordon memorabilia. The restoration of his 1957 Pontiac Star Chief was a multi-year project and a true labor of love for him. Even as David’s memory began to decline, the one thing you could count on was his ability to identify and talk about cars. His love of cars was passed down to his son, daughter Teresa, and his grandsons.

     Visitation was planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at Oak Dale Baptist Church, 1695 Oak Dale Road, Loris, followed immediately by a gravesite service.

     A guest register is available here.