David Glen Sines Thomasson, 54, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away in Savannah, Georgia on April 24, 2026. Born on February 6, 1972, in Petersburg, Virginia. David spent his early years in Waterloo, Iowa, relocating to Savannah, Georgia during high school, before making his way to Charleston to pursue his culinary education at Johnson & Wales University. He lived a life defined by his love of family, the artistry and devotion to his craft, and a deep faith that sustained him through every season.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Thomasson, and stepmother, Cass Thomasson; his mother and father-in-law, Bonnie and Dick Sines; as well as grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

David is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sheila Sines Thomasson; the light of his life, daughter Ella Grace Sines Thomasson; mother, Dianne Thomasson; beloved sister, Jennifer (Glen) Doki; amazing nephew, Michael Cooler; and cherished golden retrievers, Sullivan and Bailey.

David was a hardworking, talented, and passionate chef whose career took him through many beloved kitchens in Charleston and Savannah over the years. Known to his coworkers as “Big Dave,” he was as celebrated for his humor and larger-than-life personality as he was for his skill behind the stove. He had a gift for making people laugh and making them feel at home, often at the same time. He approached his work with genuine joy and purpose, and when asked if he loved being a chef, David was known to say, “I do what I love and love what I do.” Those who worked alongside him never doubted it for a moment.

David had a rare ability to turn the simple act of feeding people into something joyful and meaningful, and he brought that same spirit to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Charleston, where he was a member and often shared his culinary talents to nourish his church family.

In his later years, David faced the difficult and deeply human struggle with health challenges related to alcoholism, a battle shared by so many. His family carries no judgment, only love, and honors his full and complex life with open hearts. We urge anyone who may be struggling with addiction to reach out and ask for help.

Above all else, David loved his family, his work, and his two golden retrievers, Sullivan and Bailey.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11:00 AM, at Wesley Gardens in Savannah, Georgia.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wesley Gardens Endowment Fund, or a local addiction recovery center.

He did what he loved. He is deeply loved in return.