David Turnipseed

Former South Carolina State Senator and lawyer, David English Turnipseed, 71, of Moore, SC, died of cancer Sunday evening, January 8, 2017, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Born in Mobile, Alabama, he was the son of the late Ruby Bell and George Franklin Turnipseed. David was an active member of Tyger River Presbyterian Church. He loved contributing vegetables from his gardens to the Carpenter's Table. Not only did he love the outdoors, and working on the farm, David enjoyed traveling, football, collecting Indian artifacts and anything involving his grandchildren. David graduated from Western Carolina University with a Master's in Physical Education. He was a letterman for the Western Carolina Football team. One of his special highlights during the last three years of life was when he coached, with his son, the Woodruff Youth Football League to three undefeated championships earning him the name "Coach Pops". After leaving Western Carolina, David attended USC School of Law and practiced in Spartanburg until his retirement in 2015. David was elected and served as a State Democratic Senator for Spartanburg County from 1976-1984 before retiring and returning to his law practice. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Cynthia "Cindy" Garber Turnipseed; two sons, David English Turnipseed Jr. (Selena) and Lee Samuel Turnipseed (Brandi); and five grandchildren, Sydney, Laney, Ryan, Holt, and Eloise Turnipseed. David was predeceased by his son, Brac Hylton Turnipseed (Karlen Senn). Also surviving are two brothers, Thomas Turnipseed (Judy) of Columbia, SC and Sam Turnipseed (Roxanne) of Honduras; and many nieces and nephews that he always loved dearly as well as an extended family that called him "PaPa Seed". His special friend is his furry dog "Kilgore" who has never left his side. The family will receive friends 2:00-3:30 PM Thursday, January 12, 2017, in the Parlor at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, 393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302. A service honoring his memory will follow at 4:00 PM, at the church, with The Rev. Hudson Neely, The Rev. Al Masters, and The Rev. Joanne Hull officiating. Honorary escort are members of the SC Bar Association and SC Legislature. In lieu of flowers, contributions in David's memory may be made to Tyger River Presbyterian Church, The Carpenter's Table, 5961 Reidville Road, Moore, SC 29369; or Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303. Thank you is expressed to everyone at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home who took such good care of David during his final days. We were so blessed by these wonderful people. One of his profound statements, of which he had many, was made a few days before his death..."It's not about your birth or death that's important, but what you do in between." The family is at the farm. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of David E. Turnipseed please visit our Sympathy Store.