David Hampton Huntley

David Hampton Huntley, known affectionately as "Big Dave", passed away on April 28, 2026, at Brookdale Carriage Club in Charlotte, North Carolina — a place where he felt fancy. He was 78, surrounded by the love of his family in his final days.

Born on March 31, 1948, in Charlotte, North Carolina, David grew up attending Tabernacle ARP Church and graduated from Garinger High School, where he played golf. He later returned to school and earned his degree from Montreat College.

David served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Specialist Five and earning the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. He wore his veteran's hat often and kept Vietnam veteran stickers on his beloved Subarus — and there were a few.

After his military service, David worked in the insurance and airline industries, serving with Eastern Airlines and Allstate Insurance. He was a devoted member of St. Francis United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir for many years.

David's greatest joys were simple: tending to his lawn with meticulous care, going to Renfrow Hardware, watching The Andy Griffith Show, cheering on the Duke Blue Devils and the Atlanta Braves, enjoying his favorite Diet Coke and sweets, and spending cherished summers with his family at Surfside Beach. Above all, he was a devoted husband to his wife Elise, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage and a home in Matthews, North Carolina. Together, they built a warm life centered around their children, grandchildren, their friendships with neighbors in Country Place, and the love of their extended family.

Elise Brown Huntley passed away in June 2025, and David carried that loss quietly and with dignity in the months that followed. We take comfort knowing he is reunited with her now.

To his grandchildren, he was simply Big Dave: silly, joking, always ready to kid around — and always glad to see them.

He is survived by his sister, Susan Huntley Christy (Freddy); his daughter Lisa Hodnett Richards (Chris); his sons Kevin David Huntley (Angie), Charles Hampton Huntley (Shawn), and Jeffrey Allen Huntley (Lynne Whitcher); his grandchildren Hannah Cook (Aaron), Abby Richards, Zach Huntley (Sloane), Emma Miller, Haden Miller, Ava Huntley, and Ruby Huntley; and his great-grandson, Jones Cook. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elise Brown Huntley; his parents, Jesse Hampton Huntley and Miriam Hutto Huntley.

A service to celebrate David's life will be held Monday, May 18, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Francis United Methodist Church, 4200 McKee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270. All who knew him are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in David's memory to Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org) or to St. Francis United Methodist Church (stfrancischarlotte.org).

Forever in our hearts.

Memories may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com