*David Ness, 73, of Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of West Columbia, S.C., passed away on March 2, 2015 with his family by his side, after a long battle with Lewy Body Disease.

He was a son of the late Jean and Ken Ness, and was born in Albert Lea, Minn. on Sept. 13, 1941. Growing up, he was an Eagle Scout and a life guard in Wells, Minn., and worked as a Camp Counselor at Camp Warren in Minnesota for four summers. This was David’s first exposure to sailing; in later years he enjoyed sailing and racing on Lake Murray with his family and friends.

He graduated from Wells High School in 1959, and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Olaf College. David was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, and served as a navigator on the USS Taluga (AO-62) during the Vietnam War.

He married the late Yvonne Wells in 1964. They lived in California, Texas, and Georgia before relocating to South Carolina, where they lived for 38 years. When David moved to South Carolina, he worked at the University of South Carolina as the Director of the Russell House student union.

David was the owner/broker of the Re/Max Real Estate Services of West Columbia, S.C. until he retired in December 2010. He was an invited speaker and educator of Real Estate throughout the country and Europe. He was honored with many awards: Columbia Realtor of the Year, Hustler, Spirit, Distinguished Service, Regional Speaker, International Speaker, and Award for Re/Max Carolina. He was awarded Educator of the year and Re/Max Regional Eagle for the year. He was Past President of the Greater Columbia Association of Realtors. In December of 2010, David moved to Ft. Myers, Fla.

He loved his role as a Christian, and he was a discipleship, new membership, and spiritual gift teacher and an usher. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, swimming, exercising, playing chess, watching westerns, and spending time with his grandchildren.

David is survived by his two children, Craig Ness and Michele Tyson; three grandchildren, Joseph Ness and Pierce and Holland Tyson; his sister, Kathy Oldfather; and brothers, Thomas Ness, Charles Ness, William Ness, and James Ness.