Charles Stevens David Jr.

Charles Stevens David, Jr, 98, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026 after a brief illness. Charlie was born In Clio, S.C. on November 5, 1927, the first child of Ruth Carter David and Charles Stevens David, Sr. He was born in his parents’ home in the same bed as his father.

The family relocated to Goldsboro, N.C. and then Asheville in 1940 when Charlie Sr. took a job with Matthews Motors. Charlie Jr. attended Lee H. Edwards High School graduating in 1944, and attended N.C. State University.

Charlie’s career began as a used car salesman and he eventually became Vice President/General Manager of the dealership, working side by side with his best friend Roy Robinson, President of Matthews Ford.

In 1952 Charlie walked into the downtown Wachovia Bank and met the love of his life, Nancy Louise Gardner. They married on Valentine’s Day 1953 and celebrated their 73rd anniversary in 2026. They had many common interests including a love of singing in the choir at Central Methodist Church for over 60 years and acting in musicals at the Asheville Community Theatre.

Charlie became a star of ACT in 1963 when he played Buffalo Bill in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. His final ACT performance was in GUYS AND DOLLS in 2011, having appeared in over 25 productions including as King Arthur in CAMELOT, the first production in the theatre’s new building.

In addition to theatre Charlie’s passion was golf, enjoying 57 years as a member of the Asheville Country Club, where he served as President for several years. His other passion was the Atlanta Braves.

Charlie, his wife Nancy and daughter Janet became part of the Givens Estates community in 2011 where they particularly enjoyed the friendships of their neighbors on Strawbridge Court. In retirement Charlie volunteered at Mission Hospital.

A hilarious storyteller and generous supporter of many organizations, beloved by everyone who knew him, Charlie found humor in every situation and accepted whatever life offered him, often remarking, “Well, that just goes with the territory.”

Charlie is survived by his wife Nancy, his son Jim David and his husband Dan Rosenbaum, daughters Nancy David Sample and Janet David, granddaughters Carter Sample Engel and her husband Eric Engel and Ann Sample Fox and her husband Andrew Fox, great-grandchildren Hollis Engel, Harrison Engel, J.B. Fox, Hudson Engel and Annie Fox, sister Anne Rankin, nephew Jim Gardner and nieces Diana Tockes, Teresa Sweeney, Peggy Gardner, Mary Anne Byerly and Susan McCrary.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Norma F. Pulliam Chapel at Givens Estates, 100 Wesley Drive in Asheville on Monday, April 20th at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Central United Methodist Church of Asheville, Asheville Community Theatre or ABCCM Downtown Crisis Ministry.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.