David Thomas Etheridge

David Thomas Etheridge, 42, passed away on Thursday, December 28.  Funeral services will be held Friday, January 5 at 7:00 pm at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

Family will receive friends on Friday, January 5 from 5:00 pm until 6:45 pm at Joyner’s Funeral Home.

David lived a full and wonderful life and was a joy to his family.  He was born on a very cold December night to his mother Sheryl Ferrell Etheridge and Jr. Etheridge.  David was the first grandchild on the Etheridge side and the youngest grandchild of the Ferrell side.  He was an avid hunter and Tarheel fan.  He had a strong work ethic, even at a young age.  You could find David driving the tractor and truck down many tobacco fields.  As he got older, he worked the harder parts of farming by his daddy’s side.  David loved getting paid for his labors.  He would save his money to buy school clothes and supplies, which he was very proud of.  David farmed until he was sixteen years old. 

David graduated from Hunt High School, Wilson County Technical College, then temporarily worked at Walter Kidde as a machinist.  He then worked with Deanheardt & Davis Construction, which he loved.  In January 2002, David was hired as a temp with NCDOT as a transportation worker.  Over the years, David continued to move up and was most recently appointed as Transportation Supervisor II.  David loved his work and his coworkers at NCDOT. 

David’s home church was Shiloh Pentecostal Holiness for many years.  He was under the guidance of youth pastor, Thomas Johnson.  David was very dedicated to the Royal Rangers, lead by Phillip Pearson, Stan Godwin, Robbie Davis, and other dedicated men that lead David and the other boys to Christ and taught them how to survive in the woods.  It was there where he learned and memorized his favorite scripture, John 3:16 and was baptized. 

David is survived by Melissa Harrison of Wilson, the love of his life; mother, Sheryl Ferrell of Wilson; daughter, Nyx Etheridge of Anchorage, Alaska; son, Owen Thomas Etheridge of the home; paternal grandmother, Beulah C. Etheridge of Wilson; step-grandmother, Sandra G. Ferrell; aunts, Kim Ferrell Carter and husband, Allen of Greenville, Patsy Woodard of Wilson, and Jeanette F. Fulgham of Holly Ridge; uncles, Terry L. Etheridge and wife, Renee of Wilson and Stephen Ferrell of Wilson; many cousins; many friends, including Jason Lee, Jason Kennedy, Blake Sanders, and Thomas Ramiriz; and his beloved dogs, Pete and Gunner.

David was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary P. Ferrell; grandfather, Tommie Etheridge; grandfather, Restie Walter Ferrell; and uncle, Thomas H. Glasgow.

Rest easy on that mountain our wonderful son and friend to many.  We will see you again soon.