Carver of Pumpkintown: SC man fashions gravestones, but none are his own

PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN) — Once upon a highway so small, there sits a pumpkin quite tall.

The sights point this way and that, though weary travelers quickly scat before they can hear the tap… tap… tap.

Pause for a moment and come with me; what a tale this shall be! We begin now with David Gillespie.

“For whatever reason, I’m big with numbers, so dates—I love dates.” He does not worry with what awaits—lest he test those pesky fates.

Stroke after stroke, the headstone is his palette. He carves each letter with a chisel and mallet.

“Stones all have their own little nuance to them—but slate—ah, I love slate.” Curved. Carved. Slanted. And straight. Numbers, letters—he shall create.

Twenty years, and then some more, he’s worked to master what was done before.

“The stones in the 1730s and 40s in slate were the culmination of artistic achievement in gravestone art as far as I’m concerned.” New England is where he learned, but South Carolina, and home, is thus where he returned.

To make sure those who had passed would have a monument that shall last.

“I know people that only exist on this earth, that we know about, only because of a gravestone.” Though some may feel uneasy, let it be known—this is to make sure no one is alone.

It is a study in life, of joy and strife.

“Every time I carve a new gravestone, I am a student of the brevity of life. Every time I carve another stone, it’s class in session.” I must make this impression that life is a lesson.

So, when you pass through, look around. You just may hear the carver of Pumpkintown.