Chief David W. Malone

Chief David W. Malone, age 64, passed away on March 17, 2026, following a brief illness. Chief Malone was surrounded by his loving family at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital at the time of his passing.

David W. Malone was born on August 17, 1961, in Columbia, son of John  and Jean Malone.  He retired from Dominion Energy as a Construction Inspector III, after 37 ½ years.  David was a member of Barrineau Pentecostal Holiness Church, and the SC Firefighters’ Association.

Chief Malone dedicated his life to serving his community through the fire service. He joined the South Lynches Fire Department in 1980 and faithfully served for more than four decades. Throughout his distinguished career, he held nearly every position within the department, including Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, District Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Assistant Chief, and ultimately, Fire Chief.

For the past five years, Chief Malone served as Fire Chief, providing strong leadership, unwavering commitment, and a deep sense of duty to the citizens he proudly protected. He earned the respect and admiration of his fellow firefighters, colleagues, and community members through his dedication, integrity, and selfless service.

In 2011, Chief Malone was awarded the Meritorious Action Award by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association in recognition of his bravery and heroic actions when he placed his own life in peril to save the life of another. This honor stands as a testament to the courage and selflessness that defined his career.

David also served as NASCAR liaison, where he worked with all the officials that worked in race control. He was responsible for handling fire and EMS in the garages and pit road along with making sure that NASCAR officials had chicken bog to eat every weekend they came to Darlington.

Chief Malone’s legacy of service, leadership, and sacrifice will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

He was very supportive of his family, he loved them dearly and treasured time spent with each of them.  David enjoyed riding his motorcycle with a great group of friends, he loved the lake, and was an avid quail hunter.

David leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Lisa W. Malone; daughters, Lauren (Kris) Parrott and Kaitlin Malone; grandchildren, Katey Layne Parrott, Kooper Parrott, and Saylor Smith; brother, Ricky (Tammy) Nettles; sister, Cindy Foster; step mother, Linda Nettles; sisters-in-law, Judy (Wayne) Frye, Kim (Jody) Mims, and Tonya (Derick) Hardy; numerous special nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his biological father, Richard “Mack” Nettles; brother-in-law, Charlie Foster; sister-in-law, Linda Feagin; mother and father-in-law, Ola Mae and Henry Welch.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Barrineau Pentecostal Holiness Church with funeral services to be held on Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 PM, at the church.

Burial will follow on the Parrott Family Farm, Eulon Road, Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Center Ministries, c/o Compassion Church, 1509 E. Siesta Drive, Florence, SC 29505.

David touched so many lives and had many friends whom he loved dearly.  It would be his wish for you to know how much he loved you and he felt your love in return. His greatest wish is for all to join him in heaven someday.

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