David Shingler Spell

David Shingler Spell, a banker for 24 years, a Charleston City Councilman for 16 years and an Innkeeper for 27 years, passed into eternity peacefully at his home, "Belvedere", 40 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC on July 6, 2011 after a lengthy illness with cancer.

The relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service Saturday July 9, 2011 at 11:30 am in Trinity United Methodist Church. Interment, Live Oak Memorial Gardens.  Friends may call at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL Friday between 5:00 and 7:00 pm.

David was born to David Smith Spell and Thelma Westbury Spell on August 19, 1925 in Grover, SC (Dorchester County).  He was educated in Grover Schools and graduated from St. George High School, Class of 1941, at the age of 15.  After reaching 16, he competed with 30 others for a position of Communications Operator with the Sixth Navel District in Charleston.  He was one of four selected and worked there until March, 1944 when he entered the US Navy.   He had boot camp at Camp Peary, VA, followed by six months Yeoman school at Bainbridge, MD.  After graduation, he was assigned to a new ship being built in San Pedro, CA, the USS Buckingham (APA-141), an attack personnel transport.  He served most of his naval career as personal Yeoman (secretary) to the ship's captain.  The ship was decommissioned at Norfolk, VA in 1946, and he was discharged the following June.

Spell entered the Citadel as a veteran student in September, 1946 in the School of Business Administration.  He excelled in all of his studies and was elected to the Economics Honor Society.  He graduated in June, 1950 tied with two other students for the highest GPA.

He was active in Citadel alumni activities throughout his life, was a lifetime member of The Association of Citadel Men and Brigadier Club.  In 65 years of Citadel football, Spell missed only about 5 home games and attended many out-of-town.  Several years ago, Spell endowed the David Shingler Spell First and Second Honor Graduate Awards, presented annually at Citadel Commencements.  Along with a medal or plaque, the recipients receive a monetary stipend.  As evidence of his generosity to his Alma Mater, he has established two scholarship funds for future cadets and was honored by The Citadel Foundation in 2009 with the "Society of 1843 Medal" noting that his total lifetime gifts have exceeded $2 million.

After graduation from The Citadel, Spell held positions with several companies, including the U.S. Navy and spent seven years developing the Personnel Department at Roper Hospital prior to accepting a similar position at First Federal of Charleston.  He spent twenty-four years in various levels of responsibility, retiring as a Senior Vice President.  While there, he was awarded the professional designation of "AEP" (Accredited Executive in Personnel) by the American Society of Personnel Administrators.  Also, during his tenure at First Federal, he served on numerous local and state committees, having been appointed by Gov. Richard Riley to the SC Commission of Aging, and served for eight years.

In early 1959, Spell was asked by former Charleston Mayor Palmer Gaillard to run with him on the mayoral ticket for the upcoming election for the City from Ward 5, a downtown area on the east side from Market to Calhoun Streets.  He was an ardent campaigner and was elected and returned to office to serve a total of four terms from 1959 to 1975.  He served as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee every year, except 1967, when he served as Mayor Pro-tem.  He also served on all Council committees at one time or another.  This period in City Government was known for its conservative administration and balanced budgets.  Many new projects were completed, including the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium.  David was recently appointed by Mayor Riley's administration to the "Colonial Commons & Ashley River Embankment Commission", working with the Charleston Parks Conservancy in beautification of the Colonial Lake area where he has resided for over 21 years.

David was a life-long Methodist and after moving to Charleston in 1946, he joined Trinity United Methodist Church and has been active in all areas of churchwork since that time, chairing practically every committee at some point and serving on the governing boards.  When Trinity celebrated its 200th anniversary in 1991, he was selected to chair the Bicentennial Committee. A grand religious and social calendar was observed for celebrating the founding of 'Charleston's "Oldest Methodist Congregation".  As an indication of his leadership in S.C. Methodism, he was elected President of the S.C. Methodist Young Adults in 1959, serving the state conference.

Keeping abreast of Charleston's art and cultural activities, he was a member of many organizations including the Charleston Museum, Gibbs Museum of Art, S.C. Historical Society, Preservation Society of Charleston, S.C. Aquarium, Historic Charleston Foundation and supported the Spoleto Festival as a Benefactor.  Established in memory of his Nephew, James S. Spell, AIA, The James S. Spell Endowment was established to provide grants-in-aid for students participating in the Clemson University School of Design and Building and the Department of Art programs in Genoa, Italy and Barcelona, Spain, and the James S. Spell Conference Room at the Clemson University Architectural Center in Charleston.

David was always interested in preservation, having purchased and restored the home at 30 Wentworth St. in the 1960's when HCF was leading the restoration of the entire Ansonborough Area.  In 1981, he inherited the 2 Meeting Street property from his aunt, Minnie Spell Carr.  Completely resorting, decoration and landscaping, the property was given the new name "Two Meeting Street Inn".  It had been previously operated as a "guest house" by the original owners and his aunt.  David sold the Inn to his brother and family in 1990 and moved to "The Belvedere" at 40 Rutledge where he has resided for over 20 years. This property has been used as a Bead & Breakfast since 1986.  All of his properties were annually sought after for inclusion in the Spring and Fall House and Garden Tours by the Historic Charleston Foundation and Preservation Society, he loved to keep his homes in pristine condition and his talents in decorating and display of antiques were always in demand.

David is survived by his sister, Mary Frances Spell Griffith (Earl, Sr.) Lexington, SC; Nephew, Earl W Griffith, Jr. (Joyce Wells), Sugar Hill, GA; grand-niece, Claire Griffith Stockman (James), Chattanooga, TN; one brother, DR "Pete" Spell (Jean Rouse) of Charleston; nieces Karen Spell Shaw (Robert) of Charleston; and Julie Spell Roberts (Tobin) of Charlotte, NC; and two grand-nephews, Logan Paulus Roberts and Morgan McCants Roberts of Charlotte, NC,  He was pre-deceased by and older brother, William Smith Spell of St. George, SC; one nephew, James Smith Spell, AIA of Charleston and one niece, Susan Caroline Spell of St. George, SC.  He is also survived by his constant companion of five years, his toy poodle, "Jacques".

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 273 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or The Citadel Development Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409.