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Landrum– Dedicated leader, former restauranteur, and devout US Marine
Captain, David Richard Truitt, 83, peacefully went home to be with the Lord
on Sunday, February 5, 2023.  A devoted husband, father, and friend to many,
David passed surrounded by family and friends befitting the manner by which
he lived.

David is survived by his loving wife Susan (Sue Z) of 30 years; sons Scott
Truitt (Debbie) and Greg Truitt of FL; daughter Tracy Truitt of FL; and
stepdaughter Melissa Buck.  Additionally, he is survived by his granddaughter
Danielle Truitt; grandson JT Truitt; nieces Kristen Pund (Jack), Carol
Kleinschmidt (Marty), and Suzanne Cedrone (Phillip) of PA; and his faithful
canine companion, Sadie.   He is predeceased by dear brother Edwin J. Truitt
(Joanne) and nephew, Robert.

David, known by Dave to many, was born May 11th, 1939, in Upper Darby,
Pennsylvania, to Edwin D. and Christine Lecker Truitt.  He attended
Monsignor Bonner High School and earned a football scholarship to attend
Penn State University. He was a two-sport athlete playing both defensive end
and tight end in football.  He also threw the shot put and was a high hurdle
sprinter in the Penn Relays at Franklin Field. He graduated from Penn State
University with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Restaurant Management.

Dave enjoyed a lengthy, successful career inclusive of numerous professional
endeavors, community accolades, and achievements.  His penchant for business
came early on, in part, as lead sales and developer of the third (3rd)
Marriott Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.  Following his time at Marriott, Dave
gained stature in Sarasota, Florida, as owner-operator of The Windjammer and
Davey’s Locker, a hugely popular dual seaside restaurant.  Following its
sale, he continued in corporate and commercial real estate through his
remaining years devoting the majority of his time to service and volunteer
pursuits.  Helping to enrich young lives was a favorite goal of his,
exemplified by his volunteer football coaching years at Landrum High School,
and by his passion and contribution to the Arts Education & Outreach Program
of the Tryon Fine Arts Center.

Dave was philanthropic at his core.  He never knew a stranger.  His proudest
achievements in life were by far his children, family, and the many young
(and older) lives he touched while serving and volunteering.  Generous,
caring, encouraging, motivational, and an inspirational leader are just a few
adjectives given by those whose lives were enriched by this very special
human being.

Dave cherished his time with his golfing buddies, both on and off the
course.  Moving to this community from FL in 2004 won his heart as he
witnessed the love and compassion that is exuberated by so many and which he
felt so strong, especially through his battle with cancer he endured these
last three years as a result of the contaminated water at Camp LeJeune from
his Marine service days.

Being a private individual in nature, Dave had requested no service except
for a private family graveside service to be held by Petty Funeral Home.  In
lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arts, Education,
and Outreach Program of the Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Avenue,
Tryon, NC 28782  (www.tryonarts.org or 828-859-8322), or the Upstate
Community Hospice House, Landrum, SC.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

 

Petty Funeral Home
Landrum, SC