CHARLESTON—Dr. David Glenburn Askins, Jr., age 76, of Charleston, died May 1st, 2011 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. He died peacefully at his home and was surrounded by his family. He was born November 2, 1934, in Florence, SC, and was the son of the late Irma Lewis Askins and David G. Askins, Sr.
Dr. Askins was a graduate of Wofford College and the Medical University of South Carolina.
After completing his internship and residency in family medicine, he returned to his hometown of Marion, SC to practice family medicine with the Marion Medical Group of Berry, Askins, and Suggs. He was a member of the SC, Marion, and Charleston Medical Associations, and the American Academy of Family Physician. In 1975, he was President of the South Carolina Heart Association.
Dr. Askins served as the Chairman of the Department of Clinical Services and was the Senior Medical Advisor of the Physician Assistant Program at MUSC. After his retirement in 2008, he was Interim Program Director of the Physician Assistant Division at the University of New England in Portland, Maine.
Throughout his career, Dr. Askins was an active member of his community. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Marion and served on their Board of Trustees. He also took a keen interest in the education of the students in Marion County and served on the School Board and was the Board Chairman from 1966-1979 and Chairman of the Committee for Elections of School Boards for Marion County. He frequently would offer his words of wisdom when teaching his patients, families and students, but will most be remembered by leading others by his gentle example.
In addition to the local education of Marion, he offered his services on a broader level by being a member and chairman of the SC Commission of Higher Education (1987—1994), chairman of the Committee on Health and Medical Education (1987-1988), and chairman of the Committee on Planning Assessment (1989-1993).
His honors include Distinguished Service Award, American Heart Association 1976; Marion Citizen of the Year, 1976; nominated, Health Sciences Foundation Teaching Excellence Award, 2002; recipient, Health Sciences Foundation “Clinician of the Year” Award, 2002.
He served on many MUSC committees and was the author of numerous publications.
Dr. Askins spent as much time as he could at his beachhouse “Lahaina” in Garden City, SC, where he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He continued his teaching of others even while on vacation by demonstrating the best way to shrimp and troll for Spanish mackerel. His family and friends were the center of his being, and he will be long remembered by his love and generosity to all that he encountered.
Dr. Askins is survived by his wife, Jeanie Smithey Askins; his three children, Judy Askins and her partner Monte Andrews of Stone Mountain, GA; David Askins, III and his wife Gailya of Summerville, SC; Kelly Askins and her partner Sharon Simpkins of Raleigh, NC; and their mother, Nancy Askins of Marion; his wife’s children, Brad Stroud and his wife Jillian of St Petersburg, FL, Lori Stroud and her partner, Spencer Tackett of Marion, SC; and his grandchildren, David Askins, IV, Chris Askins, Rebecca Askins, Hailey Stroud, Caitlyn Stroud, Allison Stroud and Paisley Stroud-Tackett.
Dr. Askins family would like to offer thanks to the many wonderful friends and the caring staff of Lutheran Hospice for their kindness and compassion throughout his illness.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 3rd, from 4-7 pm at his home, 2364 Eades Lane, Charleston, SC 29414; and on Wednesday, May 4th, from 4-7 pm at Richardson Funeral Home, 1936 Senator Gasque Road, Marion, SC 29571 (phone: 843-423-5100).
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 5th at 4pm at the First United Methodist Church, 307 East Godbold St., Marion, SC 29571.
An online registry is available to sign at RichardsonfuneralhomeofMarion.com
Memorials may be made to the D.G. Askins, Jr.. Memorial Scholarship for the Physician Assistant Program at the Medical University of South Carolina (College of Health Professions, 151A Rutledge Ave., MUSC, Charleston, SC 29425; Attn: Askins Endowed Scholarship Fund. Or go to www.musc.edu.) or to the charity of your choice.
