David Wade Rule

David Wade Rule, 79, died at home on February 5, 2022. The eldest child of Robert and Virginia Rule, David was born on May 12, 1942, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from Bearden High School, and enrolled at the University of Tennessee. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and graduated with a degree in business. After graduation, David enlisted in the Army Reserves. He began his decades-long career in textiles, working for Eastman, Unifi, and later, United Yarn. At Unifi, he met his future wife, Kay. They had their first date, and married exactly one year later, on December 7, 1974.

David is survived by Kay, his wife of 47 years, and daughters Carter Rule Grimes (Morgan) and Laura Gresham Clark (Larry); sister, Marilyn Rule Hodge (Jerry), and grandchildren, Ava and Davis Grimes. Additionally, he is survived by his beloved Shih Tzu, Bobby. David is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Perrin Rule and Virginia Williams Rule, and brother, Robert Perrin Rule Jr.

David was an anchor for his family and friends. With an unfailingly steady and easygoing presence, he emanated a quiet strength. He was the kind of person you wanted by your side in the trenches. His long and successful career gave him the opportunity to have interesting experiences all over the world, but he never shared stories about his own life. Instead, he far preferred listening to others, and enjoyed many life-long friendships as a result. His kind and generous nature will be especially missed by those who knew and loved him.

Despite his sharp wit, intelligence, and sense of humor, David remained humble. A constant learner, he spent his life keeping up with the latest technology, news, and events. He was the techie of the family and loved taking advantage of the advances of our digital age. Reading was a favorite pastime, most especially when it involved sand under his feet. David was never happier than he was on a sunny day by the ocean. First to cross the dunes in the morning and last to leave as the sun set, Litchfield Beach was his favorite place to be.

Upon David’s death, friends and colleagues offered heartfelt condolences and shared kind words. His former employer summed it up best when he said, “David Rule was one of the finest people I’ve ever known.”

Due to Covid restrictions, there will be a private family service on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 2pm at the columbarium at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro. A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later, to be determined, date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.