David A Sems

Rev. David A. Sems, 81, (Chaplain Colonel USAF Ret.) of Greenville, died peacefully Saturday, October 14, 2017 at home with his family. He was born on May 29, 1936 in Cleveland, OH, and is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Carolyn; daughter, Carla Spears (Buddy) of Winchester, VA; son, Gary Sems (Shelley) of Greenville, SC; son, Kevin Sems (Melaney) of Alpharetta, GA; sister, Carol Samf of Cornwall, PA; brother, Bob Samf (Barbara) of Kirtland, OH; ten grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lillian Samf, and son, Brian Samf.
After graduating from Mentor High School he enlisted in the Air Force and served four years. He then worked in the secular business community before pursuing pastoral ministry. He holds a degree (BSBA) from Dyke College in Ohio and seminary degree (M.Div.) from The North America Baptist Seminary in South Dakota. He pursued graduate studies at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The majority of his pastoral ministry he served as a USAF Chaplain (1967-1987). He served in Arkansas, Japan, Texas, North Dakota, Korea, Washington DC, including one year at Arlington National Cemetery, Germany and Illinois. After retiring he worked for several non-profit organizations, volunteered at assisted living facilities, and served as a local part-time pastor with the Methodist Church. For the last seven years he served as Pastoral Associate for Older Adults at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Dave was an avid photographer, enjoyed bike riding and loved being with his grandchildren. He and Carolyn also enjoyed traveling together, visiting over 30 countries and all 50 States.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC. Visitation will follow the service at the church. Internment will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date to be announced.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.cremationsocietyofsc.com . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to International Justice Mission, PO Box 96961, Washington, DC 20090-6961, or online at www.ijm.org .