Section of Tigerville Road named in honor of area veteran killed in Vietnam

TIGERVILLE, S.C. — Community members, family members and friends on Sunday gathered for a road dedication ceremony, honoring an area resident who lost his life while serving in Vietnam.

Tigerville Road, from Tigerville Elementary School to the Hwy. 11 intersection, was named "David W. Staton Memorial Highway."

Staton, a sergeant in the Army, was killed on April 30, 1970, when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire in Thua Thien Province in Vietnam.

Staton's twin sister, Diane Spence, acknowledged the recognition on his behalf.

(Advertisement. Continue reading below.)

Those on hand at the ceremony included Thomas Hughes, who served with Staton in B-Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Calvary, 101st Airborne. Hughes and his wife, Sandra, traveled from Chattanooga for Sunday's ceremony.

"David loved his family and he loved South Carolina, especially right here," Hughes said.

The naming effort was spearheaded by local officials, including Representatives Mike Burns and Mike Forrester, Sen. Tom Corbin, and County Councilmen Joe Dill and Mike Barnes, all of whom attended Sunday's event.

Rep. Burns presented a framed copy of the House resolution to Spence at the ceremony, where one of the two dedication signs was also unveiled.

To read the S.C. House Resolution in it's entirety, visit the S.C Legislature online here.

Stay connected with the Tribune: Facebook — Twitter — Instagram — iOnGreenville

Subscribe to the Tribune's free, weekly eNews.

(Advertisement.)