Dateline: Lake View, SC

Hal D. Townsend, Sr.

Hal D. Townsend, Sr. passed away peacefully during the early morning hours on Wednesday, December 28th, 2022, surrounded by his family and caregivers, at The Manor in Florence, South Carolina. A native of Lake View, South Carolina, he was born in Marion County on June 6th, 1939, to the late Dennis Layton “Red” Townsend and the late Thelma Johnson Townsend. Hal was also preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Katrina Freeman Townsend.

Hal embarked on his career in education in 1961, shortly after his graduation from Wake Forest. His first job was with the public schools in his hometown of Lake View as a physical science and physical education teacher to seventh and eighth graders. In 1963, Hal was offered a position teaching US history to eleventh graders. In 1966, the principal’s position became available at Lake View High School, his alma mater. Because of his young age and ability to relate to students, Hal was offered the position. To advance his career, Hal later earned a master’s degree from Appalachian State University during the summers.

Hal served as principal at Lake View High School for twenty-five years. He was instrumental in ushering in desegregation in Dillon County while working with students and teachers to ensure their success. His reputation for fair and unbiased treatment of students, faculty and staff was fundamental to his successful leadership style.

Hal retired from Lake View High School in 1991, after a rewarding thirty years of service. His plans were to travel with his wife, Katrina, assist her with her renowned catering business, and play golf. After a few years of enjoying retirement, Hal was convinced by friends to return to the field of education as headmaster of Pee Dee Academy, in nearby Marion County. In 1995, he began his service in private education, finding at Pee Dee Academy another home for the next twenty-five years. His Pee Dee family affectionately began referring to him as Mr.”T”.

In June 2020, Hal retired from professional life, including from the venerable position of “oldest headmaster” in South Carolina. It was always his greatest pleasure to tell everyone that he would forever be indebted to his Lake View High and Pee Dee Academy families for giving him sixty years of love and respect doing what he loved.

Hal was a past member of the Lake View Lions Club, Lake View United Methodist Church, and a charter/founding member of Pineland Country Club. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Florence, South Carolina.

Hal is survived by his children, Nick Townsend (Robbie Tart) and Dare Townsend; his granddaughter Cameron Townsend Morris; his brother Dennis Layton Townsend, Jr. (Pat)… many nephews, nieces, in-laws (Townsends and Freemans) and “special” family friends… especially the Rogers, Gaddy and Taylor clans.

A service of death and resurrection will be celebrated on December 30th, 2022, (Friday) at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Lake View, South Carolina. The family will receive friends Thursday, Dec. 29 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Cooke Funeral Home of Lake View.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to your local animal shelter, or church, school, or charity of your choice.

COOKE FUNERAL HOME

202 N. MAIN ST. P.O. Box 367

LAKE VIEW, SC 29563

Tel. No.: (843) 759-2111 Fax: (843) 759-0399