Dennis Clayton David, 72, of Siler City, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Chatham Hospital.

Dennis was born on March 19, 1954, in Imperial County, California to the late Billy Joe and Johnnie Hanks David.

Dennis was a simple and humble man with a heart of gold. He was a gentle giant who loved his family deeply and had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to laugh, and he never met a stranger. His kindness, laughter, and big heart will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dennis loved the outdoors and enjoyed many simple pleasures in life. He was an avid football fan, especially of the Los Angeles Rams. He had a special love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and enjoyed working with his hands. A welder by trade, Dennis also loved blacksmiths and took pride in his work.

Dennis lived in California for most of his life before eventually making North Carolina his home. Throughout his working years, he worked for Darrell Andrews Trucking, Moore's Welding, and Phillips Trucking. He also worked at the Purdue Chicken plant in Robbins until its closing.

Above all, Dennis loved his family. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Joe and Johnnie Hanks David; and his grandson, D.J. David.

He is survived by his children: son Dennis "Clay" C. David, Jr., and wife Elizabeth, daughter Melinda “Mindy” Cabral, and husband Donald, daughter Kelsey Price, and husband Ian, son Kyle David and wife, Denise, son Ronald Ridgeway and wife Christina ; grandchildren, Eli David, Lawson Cabral, Coen Price, Kylee David, James Sprouse, Luke David, Jemma David, Emmy David, Sophie Ridgeway, and baby girl Ridgeway on the way; two brothers, Kenneth W. David and wife, Ladonna, of Bakersville, California, and Lynden C. David and wife, Lorraine, of Siler City, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends from 12:45 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at Faith Family Ministries. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Faith Family Ministries, with Rev. Lowell Pocock Sr. and Rev. Lowell Pocock Jr. officiating.

Interment will immediately follow in Chatham Memorial Park.

Please share a memory or message of condolence for the family in Dennis’s guestbook below.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home of Siler City, North Carolina, is honored to serve the family of Dennis Clayton David.