David Lee Givens, Sr., 84, of Green Cove Springs (formerly Palatka), entered the sunset of life on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Orange Park Medical Center, Orange Park. A native of Trenton, FL, he was the son of Johnnie and Cora (Holmes) Givens, Sr., born on Wednesday, May 30, 1934. The youngest of four siblings, he was educated in the Putnam County School System at Central Academy High School. PFC Givens was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1954 and served faithfully on active duty and the Reserves earning an honorable discharge. He was united in holy matrimony to the former Susie Elizabeth Evins on May 7, 1959 and they became delightful parents. As a proud, loving father, he was honored for him and his wife to raise their six children in Palatka. He was a retired Life of Georgia Insurance agent. He was an entrepreneur who was a longtime owner-operator of a small-engine repair shop. David served as a faithful Trustee and on the finance Board at Bethel A.M.E. Church for 30 years until he and his wife relocated to Clay County. While residing there, he served faithfully as a Steward at Phillip R. Cousin A.M.E. Church of Jacksonville, and subsequently served at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Green Cove Springs until his earthly transition. He was not just a helping hand to his own children but assisted countless children within the community. David was also an awesome mechanic who was always willing to assist a stranded motorist or anyone whose vehicle needed repair, often without charging them. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his son and daughter in law, David Lee and Mattie Levetta (Bartley) Givens, Jr., grandsons, David Marcus Givens, Carlton D King, III; sisters, Clara Tanner, Ella Mae Givens; brother, Johnnie O. Givens, Jr.,

He leaves to cherish his memories: devoted wife of 59 years, Susie Evins Givens; daughters, Beatrice (Michael) Armstrong, Cheryl Williams, Carmela Givens; sons, Roderick Givens, Kelvin (Christel) Givens; grandchildren, Christopher King, Cheryl King, Donna Williams, Neshia Williams, Centuria Armstrong, Tiffany Armstrong, Domonique Jackson, Anterio Smith, Sr.; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 4-6 p.m., Sunday, December 2, at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration with U.S. Army Military honors will be 1 p.m., Monday, December 3, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 719 Reid Street, Palatka, Rev. James McGriff, pastor, presiding. Rev. James Pernell, Pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Green Cove Springs, is the eulogist. Interment will be 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 4 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.