David Lee Wilson, caring brother and father, beloved for his wisdom and generosity, passed from natural causes in Greenville, North Carolina, on Jan. 6 2025, following a lovely Christmas holiday with his only child, Mckenzie Lauren Wilson. He was 62.

Born in Clifton Forge, Virginia, on Nov. 7, 1962, to William and Ann Wilson, David grew up in his cherished hometown of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, where he was a proud Boy Scout and was highly-involved at Roanoke Rapids High, class of 1981. Known affectionately as Dave, he was the funny, if sometimes “dorky, in a cute way”, younger brother to William Anthony, who goes by Tony. Dave loved his older brother and admired him dearly.

Eulogy by his daughter, Mckenzie:

My Dad, David or Dave, was a humble Renaissance man, a hard worker, and some may say – a visionary of affordable cuisine: he’d tell you he invented the bite-size Snickers and Lay’s potato chips with ketchup, and perfected Lipton onion soup burgers and “circle bread” – which is white bread cut into circles with a shot glass. A fantastic lunch packer – he did everything with care.

An engineer of his own kind, known for his neat handwriting and devotion to fixing a problem, he was constantly finding – sometimes, fixating on – ways to simplify things. Whether it was mounting a TV, fixing a watch or constructing a perfectly-angled neck pillow, he always wanted to work toward finding a solution that helps those around him. He loved to tackle a challenge and never stopped learning.

Sharp as a whip, Dad was exceptional at every game he played — trivia, Monopoly, Scrabble, word searches, peg solitaire at Cracker Barrel. It was a huge moment if I could ever beat him at a game. He loved the game and I feel lucky I learned from him. As his impressive hat collection will show, his love for sports was lifelong — a devoted North Carolinian through and through, he was especially passionate for the Tar Heels, the Carolina Panthers and golf.

Dave was a man of commerce and charm, an accomplished alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, class of 1986. He was a hard worker, intent on doing the best job he could, no matter how “small” the task – as is the ‘Carolina Way’. He worked in jewelry sales, car sales, and most recently, internet sales in eastern NC – a true sales wiz who could sell water to a fish. He was innovative and creative – in my childhood, he would build “drive-thrus” and houses out of cardboard boxes, sharing the fun of business, silliness, and creating something from not much at all.

He loved fun, music, and the Carolina coast beaches, though he sunburned easily. He was loyal to his NC roots and friends, and adored his beloved dogs — Shelby, Otto, Twister and Emma, a reunion on the rainbow bridge he surely anticipates with joy.

My Dad was the most loving father. He constantly reminded me how proud he was to be my Dad. I will live everyday with his generosity, wit, and resilience in my heart. Going through his things, I found he kept every playbill and ticket from my theater performances dating back to 2002 from shows and summer camps I don’t even remember. It is a testament to how much my Dad loved his family – he was always proud to honor heirlooms and his house was full of them. He shared stories every holiday, with his mother's birthday being the day after Christmas, it was a special day that he cherished by playing her favorite, Elvis Presley.

Always suave, Dad loved the classics of Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, Earth Wind and Fire, and Frank Sinatra. He was equally moved by the country tunes of Garth Brooks and Zac Brown Band – and, of course, was known to get down to Rihanna. He enthusiastically sang Coldplay’s, “Viva La Vida”, whenever it came on: “long live life.” Owning 2 turntables and an elaborate sound system, plus an impressive collection of albums, CDs, tapes, VCRs, and DVDs – he knew the sound of good music – never moving to virtual streaming or music platforms – old school and classic. His spirit sings, laughs, and soars with his favorites. Shows and movies of which include It’s A Wonderful Life, M*A*S*H, The Andy Griffith Show, The Bob Newhart Show, NCIS, The Mentalist, Ghost Hunters, The Simpsons, and anything with Clint Eastwood or Robert DeNiro. These are all pieces of him that will spark deep joy and gratitude within me for the rest of my life.

To be sure, my Dad lived by Frank’s “My Way”. He continued to work hard toward a comfortable happiness all his life, with humor and honor, ‘facing it all and standing tall’ — doing it all Dave’s Way. He found his joy with his dogs, family, and friends, and earned his peaceful rest. I hope he knew how proud we are of him, how much we love him, and that he couldn’t have given any more.

While he chose to keep his circle small, those who knew him best knew he was a prolific storyteller with a generous heart. Known for long stories starting with “long story short”, he will be joyfully remembered for his silly, singular sense of humor; his impressions and funny voices – “Seinfeld” amongst his favorites, still ringing in my head – and occasionally inappropriate mockery and dad jokes. He always cracked himself up and kept a gift of ‘Dad Jokes’ next to his favorite recliner so he was always ready. Even through difficult times, Dave's generosity persisted, cracking jokes, helping neighbors with a utility bill, making drinks for friends, or planning a high school reunion. He was always ready for a pleasant conversation and a quick joke while out working or walking the dog — always wanting to lighten the load of those around him.

Beyond his favorite lyrics and laughs, he lived by the words of Robert Louis Stephenson, on a wooden plaque that he kept in every bathroom of his adulthood — along with the single hair comb he used dating back to 1995. A pillar of his character, which read:

“That Man Is A Success …

Who has lived well,

Laughed often and loved much;

Who has gained the respect of intelligent men

And the love of children;

Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;

Who leaves the world better

Than he found it,

Whether by an improved poppy,

A perfect poem

Or a rescued soul;

Who never lacked appreciation

Of earth’s beauty

Or failed to express it;

Who looked for the best in others

And gave the best he had.”

He gave his absolute best. Always. Dave will be remembered as a hilarious, strong, generous, loving, hard-working father, brother and friend. As was written in needlepoint by his mother in a memento he kept in his house, “You are my happiness, my sorrow, my yesterday, my tomorrow.” With each tomorrow, we will miss him. Forever.

Not a day will go by that I don’t think of my Dad. I am so happy he was my Dad. I will miss his voice and his love every day.

His adventures continue – as he recently reminded me, from wherever he may be. My bag, which was carrying a small blue and silver urn that had some of his ashes, was stolen on a hike in Oregon. I realized, after a period of freaking out, that this is letting go. He is on a journey of his own – he is free and out of pain – and part of his adventure might just be without me, without us, out in the universe that has welcomed him home, maybe somewhere in the desert of Oregon. Adventure on, Dad.

A poem, shared by Dave’s friend Lorri:

“When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little – but not too long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me – but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone

It’s all part of the Masters plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the hills we know

And bury your sorrows among the trees

Miss me – but let me go.”

Thank you all for your care and kindness and for loving Dave.

I love you Pop.

Mckenzie – “Bug”

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David is survived by his daughter, Mckenzie of Seattle, WA; his brother, Tony of Oakland, CA; and special friends through life that include Tracy Hall Wilson and Lorri Elks Phillips amongst other close friends. He’s preceded in death by his beloved parents, William and Trula Ann Newton Wilson. We know he is happy to be with them, once again, and his best friend, Emma, who we lost in June 2024.

Friends and family will celebrate Dave’s life on Friday, April 18th at legendary Chapel Hill bar He’s Not Here from 5pm to 7pm…ironically chosen considering the circumstances. The next day, Saturday, April 19th at 2pm, we will visit his family plot at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids to spread his ashes, laying him to rest with his parents. Following this ceremony, we will gather at Ralph’s BBQ for one of Dave’s favorite meals from 4pm to 6pm. All who love Dave and the Wilsons are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal shelter – a few special places are listed below.

Pitt County Animal Shelter: https://pay.pittcountync.gov/…

Humane Society of Eastern Carolina:

https://www.hsecarolina.org/d…

Orange County Animal Shelter:

https://www.orangecountync.go…

Humane Society of Charlotte Wish-List:

https://humanesocietyofcharlo…

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