News Summary
Rev. David C. Dority was honored with South Carolina’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Palmetto, for his exceptional service to the community. The award ceremony took place at South Main Street Baptist Church, attended by family, friends, and state officials. Dority, who is celebrated for his servant leadership, has dedicated many years to community service, including volunteer work at a soup kitchen and promoting literacy programs. His commitment reflects a profound impact on the Greenwood community.
Greenwood, South Carolina – The Rev. David C. Dority was awarded South Carolina’s prestigious Order of the Palmetto on June 22 during a ceremony held at South Main Street Baptist Church. This honor is the highest civilian award in the state, recognizing individuals for their exceptional service and significant contributions to South Carolina.
The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate Dority’s accomplishments. Key figures in the state government, including State Representative John McCravy, State Senator Billy Garrett, and former Representative Gene Pinson, presented the award to Dority, who expressed humility and gratitude for the recognition, admitting he is “not used to hoopla.”
At 75 years old, Dority has been described by peers as the embodiment of a “servant leader.” This characterization was echoed by Randy Culbertson from Lions Club International, who suggested that Dority’s image should accompany the definition of the term. Throughout his extensive volunteer work, Dority has shown unwavering commitment to serving the community, particularly through the Lions Club, where he has received both state and international accolades.
Dority is a well-respected deacon and Bible study teacher at South Main Street Baptist Church, demonstrating his dedication to his faith and community. He has spent the past 13 years volunteering at Immanuel Lutheran Church’s soup kitchen, a commitment he shares with his wife, Claudia. Their service at the soup kitchen has been marked by compassion and empathy for individuals in need.
In addition to his work at the soup kitchen, Dority is actively involved in promoting adult literacy programs at the Greenwood County Public Library. He also participates in the church’s outreach program, Helping Hands and Hearts, which serves over 60 individuals weekly. Organizer Nancy Thomas has noted Dority’s reliability and collaborative spirit in providing meals through this program.
The recognition ceremony included hymns that underscored the theme of servanthood, highlighting the values Dority embodies. Members of the Greenwood area legislative delegation contributed to the award presentation, showcasing the community’s appreciation for his efforts.
Throughout his service, Dority has received several accolades, including being named the Mathews Lions Club Lion of the Year in September 2020. Additionally, he and Claudia were honored in January 2022 by a statehouse resolution, which recognized their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple has two children and grandchildren, who continue to be a source of pride for them.
Dority’s academic background includes degrees from Clemson University and Erskine Theological Seminary, further enriching his capacity to serve his community. His life’s work exemplifies a profound commitment to helping others and creating a lasting positive impact in Greenwood, making him a deserving recipient of the Order of the Palmetto.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Greenwood’s Dority Receives Order of the Palmetto
- Greenville Online: South Carolina District 3 Congressional Candidates Speak Up
- Greenville Journal: Retired Greenville SC Judge Awarded Order of the Palmetto
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Order of the Palmetto
- Google Search: Greenwood South Carolina community service
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
