David Phillip Gold

David Phillip "Phil" Gold, 74, of Lexington, SC, passed away on July 4, 2025, after a long
illness.

Phil was born on August 16, 1950, in Shelby, NC, to Griffin and Ellie Gold. He attended Gardner-Webb University and the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where he earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and Secondary Education. Phil worked for Smurfit-Stone Container for nearly 30 years, until the plant closed. He later found great joy in working with Lexington County Recreation and Aging, where he sang and entertained seniors, took them on trips, taught line dancing, and assisted with various crafts and activities. He also loved bowling and going on mystery trips with his wife.

Phil cherished the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 and lived as a devoted servant of Christ—a man of integrity, a loving husband, a loyal friend, and a devoted father. He enjoyed meeting people, dancing, singing in the church choir, teaching Sunday School,participating in Lutheran Men, bowling, and attending ball games—especially those of his beloved Shelby Golden Lions and USC Gamecocks. We will always carry Phil’s memory in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife, Diana Smoake Whitesides Gold; two daughters, Donna Marie Gold and Felicia Gold Miller; two grandchildren, William David Miller and Ella Grace Miller; three stepsons, Charles “Tripp” (Hope) Whitesides, James Blakely Whitesides, and Jefferson David Whitesides; three step-grandchildren, Charlie Whitesides, Elizabeth Whitesides, and Henry Whitesides; two sisters-in-law, Patsy Gold and Patricia Gold; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters: Elizabeth Gold (Larry) Revels and Margaret Gold (Jim) Cummings; and five brothers: James Gold, Robert Gold, Bill Gold, Dan Gold, and Doug (Klementine) Gold.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church,2491 Emanuel Church Road, West Columbia, SC 29170, to be used where most needed.