David Lee Philyaw Sr. was born May 5, 1948 in Caldwell County to the late Herman Lee Philyaw and Edith Shoemake Philyaw. David made his final disconnect from this world on March 14th 2025.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by one son Paul Allan Philyaw and one sister Barbara Ann Harvey.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 50 years Helen Burchette Philyaw, Sons David Lee Philyaw Jr., Charles Ray Philyaw, Daughters Linda Writesman, Sherry Lovins (Richard) and Tonya Kilby (Cory).  Daughter in Laws Crystal Philyaw and Susan Philyaw. Two Brothers Charles Edward Philyaw and Alton Philyaw. One Sister Paula Bolick. Seventeen grandchildren,16 Great Grandchildren ( including 2 on the way) , 4 Great Great Grandchildren, his loyal dog Missy and numerous Nieces and Nephews.

David is of the Baptist faith and is a member of Globe Baptist Church.

He was a Boy Scout Leaderand a member of the Collettsville Ruritan for many years.

He started his working years in Maintenance at Fairfield Chair company then worked on Smokestacks and Logging before choosing to become an Electrician, he retired in 2019 from Circle A Electric.

David " Super Dave" as he is known by many has always been there for his family, friends and neighbors in a time of need. He is known as Pawpaw not only to his Grandchildren but many in the community through the years.

The Philyaw family would like to extend a special Thank you to the staff of McCreary Cancer Center for their care during his treatments, Amorem for their support during his transition from this life and an eternal gratitude to the 3rd floor staff at Caldwell Memorial Hospital for going above and beyond for our family.

While many can share memories and stories from the days and years of time with David, the family would like to share the final days of a true miracle that only our Lord and Savior can piece together. On the Wednesday prior to his passing Helen fell and broke her leg. Being his full time caregiver this changed the dynamics of David's care as well as putting the children in a situation for half to be with Dad and half being there for Mom. On Thursday David became more unresponsive and while trying to find a way to allow Helen to be by David's side during his final moments the children begin talking with hospital staff about a potential early discharge for our mother while also realizing the challenges this will bring to each of us. After some difficult conversations and decisions we felt the best option would be to move Dad from the home to a Hospice facility making it easier to have Mom by his side and the ability to accommodate the whole family. We spoke with the Hospice nurse and requested the Hudson or Valdese location to which we were told "No beds available". This was definitely not what we wanted to hear however the nurse  who is out of the High Country facility said "I know that at times the Hospital in Boone will allow End of Care admittance." Tonya said if you could find out if we can do that at Caldwell Memorial then that would be a prayer answered. The nurse began calling her supervisors and after speaking with Sherry who was staying with Mom, our hopes began to rise. Telling Dad we were working to get him back to Mom brought a response that had not been seen in over 12 hours. Sherry spoke to a nurse at the hospital explaining what was hopefully in the works and then supervisors and hospital staff were called making a duel attempt to reunite the husband and wife of 50 years. Anxiously awaiting information we were told that typically they do not admit hospice patients like this as they did not have a hospice nurse on staff………..BUT GOD has already paved the way. That night the doctor approved the request, the Nurse agreed to take on an additional patient and the room beside mom was vacant.  We were able to get Dad transported, by a very special person to our family, Tristen, who also transported our mom to the hospital via ambulance. Now what are the odds of all these things happening? The family arrives at the hospital and expresses their thanks to the staff to which they are told " If I can't help a family in a time of need then I should not be in this profession." The staff continued to be very professional, courteous, comforting and caring over the next several hours while we were able to witness the power of true love and faith that are so hard to find in today's society.

Honorary Pallbearers

Dave Kilby- Grandson

Charles Philyaw- Son

David Philyaw Jr- Son

Pallbearers will be:

Nick Philyaw

Adam Lovins

Jacob Gullett

Colt Bass

Mark Hollander

Steve Hollander

A funeral service will be held at Greer McElveen Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 2:00PM with Roger Derreberry officiating. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorials can be made to McCreary Cancer Center, Amorem and Green Valley Baptist Church.