OBITUARY
David Luther Williams
March 29, 1956 – December 31, 2020
David Luther Williams, 64, of Denver, passed away December 31, 2020 in Huntersville. Born March 29, 1956 in Charlotte, he was the son of Charles B. and Doris (Cochran) Williams. He was the husband of Karen Barnette Williams. A devoted husband, father and soon to be Grandpa, David was the founder of Eastway Wrecker Service. An avid fisherman, David was a licensed Master Yacht Captain, licensed auctioneer and expert mechanic. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Karen Williams; children, Tonya (fiance’ Sean Witherell), David (Kelly) Williams and Blake (Amanda Hicks) Williams; mother, Doris Duncan; mother-in-law, Thelma Barnette; sisters, Vivian (Jim) Cooper, Lynn (Jim) Fleming and Jo Carol Hardy; brother, Tommy Williams; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Williams. A private service will be held at Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service. Burial in Forest Lawn West. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United States Coast Guard Foundation. Due to the pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
FAMILY
- Charles B. Williams, Father (deceased)
- Doris Duncan, Mother
- Karen (Barnette) William, Wife
- Tonya Williams, Daughter
- Charles David (Kelly) Williams, Son
- Blake Williams, Son
- Thelma Barnette, Mother-in-law
- Vivian (Jim) Cooper, Sister
- Lynn (Jim) Fleming, Sister
- Jo Carol Hardy, Sister
- Tommy Williams, Brother
Memories
David Luther Williams
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYBarbara Barnette
January 14, 2021
Karri, Tonya, Sean, David, Kelly, Blake and Amanda
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the wonderful memories of a life well lived comfort you in the days ahead.
God bless all of you.....
Babs, Brandon, Hannah, Jared, Chelsea, Brendan, Cameron and Darla
Cynthia Hill
January 10, 2021
First I want to say to Karen, Tonya, Blake and David Jr how sorry I am to learn of David's passing. Your family was so kind and generous to Jason and me. Not only were we able to have a honeymoon because of David and Karen but you guys were also there anytime we needed help. I could never repay u for your generosity. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers
Wayne Arant
January 9, 2021
Brenda and I are so sorry to hear of David's passing. I have many fond memories of spending time with the Williams family. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you in your time of grief.
May God bless each of you.
Wayne and Brenda Arant - Lake Wales, FL
Carrie Hicks
January 9, 2021
They were never obligated, but David and Karen always welcomed me and my little family into their home, during their vacations, at their dinner table, and around their Christmas tree. How my heart breaks for your sweet family as they try to get through this painful time. Heaven gain an amazing man to place among the angels.
Jeff Williams
January 8, 2021
Aunt Karen it’s jeff Williams I’m so sorry and don’t have the words for yalls loss!! But I wanted to tell u something about uncle David I’ve been self employed for 22 years now and I remember it like it was yesterday we was up there at yalls house chillin 😎 an grilling like we always did and I told uncle David I was going to go into buisness for myself and he told me son!! U can do it I did it so no reason !! U can’t!!!that meant so much to me!! I will always thank him for that it helped me belive I could it !!! Love y’all an miss seeing y’all let’s get together soon !! Love y’all Williams family!!!!
Jeffrey Barnette
January 8, 2021
Aunt Karen I’m so sorry to hear about David just want you to know we love you and you David Blake and Tonya are in our thoughts and prayers
Jeff & Crystal Williams
January 8, 2021
Karen We are so very sorry your loss our hearts break for you all . You & your family are in our prayers. David meant a lot to a lot of people .. He will be missed by so many . Please know even though we were not able to attend his service we have thought of you all daily.. May you find some peace knowing he was loved by so many people & meant a lot to his family friends Love you all , Jeff & Crystal Williams & family
Gil Banner
January 8, 2021
Karen...am so sorry to hear about you lost...Blessing to you and family ..sincerely Gil Banner
Vivian Cooper
January 8, 2021
As David’s older sister, I have way too many memories to share. My favorite memory is when he was about 4 years old, and was the cutest little red haired boy I ever laid my eyes on. I wish I had a picture to share.
I was the oldest, so I spent a great deal of time taking care of my younger siblings since our Mom worked; so they became more like my children than my brothers and sisters. I’ll never forget that he loved to carry little frogs in his pockets, a fact that I discovered when I was doing the laundry and found one in his pocket that scared the daylights out of me. The memory of this little red haired boy, and his little frog friends, will live in my heart forever.
At a very young age, David got a job working at a service station in Mint Hill, and rode his bike to his first job. Then later on he drove a school bus in high school to earn money. He loved working and making money, and truly was an entrepreneur in the making.
David was fortunate to meet his wonderful soulmate and wife, Karen, who shared his ambitions; and with hard work and long hours they built a successful business, and a beautiful life together for themselves and their children. They have always been generous to their friends and family, by hosting family reunions and many get togethers at their home on special occasions. I’ll bet he’s cooked thousands of steaks on his huge gas grill over the years.
David had a very special, loving, funny, aggravating (in a loving way) personality that naturally drew people to him. Now, a beautiful, wonderful light has gone out with our loss of David, and he will be loved and missed forever by his family and friends.
RIP my baby brother, until we can one day all be together again.
Tina Rice
January 8, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of your loss! Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers! God be with you all!
Perry & Tina Rice
Samantha Barrett
January 8, 2021
From Barretts Towing, We are so very sadden of the loss of David. He was a great true friend and a great mentor. We had just seen him not to long ago.
Joy Biddle
January 8, 2021
Karen I'm so sorry for the loss of David!! I still find it hard to believe that this has happened to all of you. I got to know him more as a friend than family after Jeff and I split he was such a good man and so funny!! I still remember the fun times at the lake with you both we had such good times and the time we came and saw you during the Bike Rally at the beach, sweet memories!! You are in my prayers I love you always!!
Mandy Hathcock
January 7, 2021
I want to begin by saying to the family how sorry I am for your loss. My heart breaks for all of you. David was such a great man. He had a way of making you smile without saying a word. David and Karen started with little and worked their butts off to build a thriving business and a beautiful, loving home. I am so proud of them and even more thankful to have been a small part of their lives. It wasnt always easy for them to like me because of the trouble that Tonya and I got into when we were young but I hope that they always knew that I loved them! Tonya was and will always be one of my best friends on this earth and because of that, I will always love her whole family. With this being said , I send all my love to this family and pray that they always have the wonderful memories of David in their hearts till they meet again. May God place his hands upon all of you in your time of need! God bless each and every one of you. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers in the months to come!!!!
Lynn Fleming
January 7, 2021
How do you even begin to try and share a memory of your brother when there are literally thousands. David was a wonderful man, husband, father, brother and friend to many. I’ve spent too many nights with David and Karen to count, having lived most of my adult life in Florida, and they were all wonderful and fun filled. There were times that I couldn’t afford to get home for a visit so he and Karen would send me a ticket to fly home. There was even one visit that they let me and my sister bring our dogs. Viv had a little cocker spaniel but I had a 90 pound golden retriever (Nick) who was a house dog and they welcomed him with absolutely no qualms. I remember when my kids were young, before he met Karen, I lived in Columbia, S.C. I used to come to Charlotte on the weekends that my husband worked and David was my Saturday night date. He didn’t think twice about taking his sister out dancing and we used to tear it up!! Then he met Karen and you’d think the Saturday date nights would stop but no instead we became a threesome. It was great and always so much fun.
One of the things I’m going to miss the most about him was his incredible sense of humor. My gosh he loved to push buttons and make people laugh. He and Karen could have been stand up comics together I swear. They’d just feed off of each other and have everyone in stitches. They say laughter is the best medicine. We sure could use some of that medicine about now. Laughter has been sorely lacking these past few weeks. I’ll miss you little brother. I only wish we could have spent more time together.
Beth Wood
January 7, 2021
David and Karen were(are) like my second parents. You see I met a young girl the 1st day of middle school who invited me over to her home. Little did I know that this girl and her family would always be a part of my life forever. I spent more time over at their home than I did at mine. I have lots of fond memories growing up with my 2nd family.
My 1st experience on a boat was with Captain at the wheel. We ended up staying all night and aww what excitement for a young girl. Tonya and I laid under deck where we could see the stars through the sky window. I remember David taking Tonya and me through McDonalds drive-thru, once he had placed our order the lady asked, “if there was anything else” and he replied “yes, how did you fit into that little box?”. He always kept us laughing. I remember as a young girl always listening to see what he was going to say next. And his red MG that he used to drive.
After I graduated high school, I needed a job. David sent me to Park Chevrolet. I ended up working there for 12yrs. I went on to start my own family and had three wonderful children. After 20 some odd years my children’s grandfather who ran the B/S at Park Chevrolet (Leonard Arrowood) goes on to tell me how much he admired David and Karen Williams. He said, “you know there’s something I never did tell you.” When I first hired you, David showed up at the shop one day towing in a car. He pulled me to the side and said if Beth every needs anything just let me know and she doesn’t have to know it was from me.” Leonard then said” I could tell he cared about you as one of his own.” My heart just soared because I had always felt as if David and Karen were my second parents. They most definitely made a difference in this little girl’s life. I will forever be grateful. Thank you!
Over the years I will say I have never seen such love that may even compare to these two. He loved Karen and his family. Thank you for a great child hood!
Soar high!
You will forever be missed!
Beverly Rogers
January 7, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and love knowing that so many care and love you. Prayers for you and family during this difficult time.
Randy Kelly
January 6, 2021
I’ve worked for David for many years. Im sorry this happened. He helped me get my CDL license , My heart and prayers go out to Karen, Blake , Tonya , Little David.
Bill and Betty ONEAL
January 5, 2021
Thankful to have meet Big Dave. He was a quiet yet powerful guy. So many talents. Thoughts and prayers go to Karen, David and Kelly
Chris Sanders
January 5, 2021
Sending our heartfelt condolences to the Williams family. We will so miss seeing David on his boat. ❤️ Joey and Chris Sanders
Tammie Dennis
January 5, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear this news about David. I can’t tell you all the precious memories of going to the lake and hanging out with the family. So many times we went out in the boat and all of us would go to dinner and have a few cocktails. He was definitely the captain. You will forever be missed, and I will always cherish the memories that we all shared as friends. Rest high on the mountain David. Until we all see you again.
Richard Garlick
January 5, 2021
Karen, Tonya , David and Blake I'm still at a loss of words to express how sorry i am for your loss. I have such great memories over the years i have know him. It has been an honor to have Captain as my boss man for many years. He will be greatly missed. Keeping you guys in my prayers.
Brenda Matthews Ireland
January 5, 2021
I was so saddened to see this. I worked for yall at Eastway many years ago. Truly wonderful people. David was always nice. So sorry for your families loss. Prayers lifted.
Michele Taylor
January 4, 2021
Karen, Doris (Dot) & family. I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts & prayers. May the peace from God comfort each of you.
Love you all,
Michele (Cochran) Taylor
Calvin Sams
January 4, 2021
David and Kelly, We are so sorry to hear about your father. I only had the opportunity to meet him at your wedding and what a nice man. I know you will miss him more than words can express. Rest in the knowledge that one day you will meet again.
Bask in the memories and the impact he made on your lives and those around him.
May God's peace be with you all in this time.
Calvin and Katrina Sams
Sandi Davis
January 4, 2021
David was a great friend of my x Dean, and myself. He was a great person to our daughters. He will truly be missed. He was a super great guy. KAREN my thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with you and your family.
Linda Jenkins
January 4, 2021
Karen, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I was saddened to learn of David’s passing and I can only imagine the pain all of you are feeling. There just aren’t words that make it any easier. Hold on to one another for love and support and cherish the memories that made your lives together so special.
Michael Williams
January 4, 2021
David will be truly missed, he always treated me like a family member. He was a hard worker and smart business man . I have a lot of great memories working there and enjoyed being around him.
Dean Humphries
January 4, 2021
David helped me learn the wrecker business and helped me on my first big truck call. He was a great friend! And he will be truly missed!! Praying for the family. -Dean Humphries
Wesley Fox
January 4, 2021
Where in the world do I start? This sudden loss for this loving and caring family can only be a major shock for them as it is for me. David is my brother in-law who loved Kerri and his kids with all his heart. He created a life long foundation that will always be remembered. When Hurricane season came we both knew it was a matter of time when we HAD TO go on his HUGE YAHCHT and get ready to ride out this ASTRONOMICAL storm. Securing down all flying objects for DAYS maybe WEEKS hehe. HEY somebody had to do it, right ? I remember one time when we went to Bojangles and ordered two huge boxes of chicken. David ask how much chicken did you get? I said 40 piece breast . Hell I was hungry. David laughed so hard he tried to take a pic of me carrying the boxes to send to his wife Kerri . Gail and I had a lot the great times together with them never a dull moment it was great. Kerri , Tonya, David and Blake. Gail and I love you all . Always a phone call away. David rest in peace my buddy and friend forever.
Jarrett Huntley
January 4, 2021
To the man that believed in me ,
From the day we met , I knew I met one hell of a man !
When we were on the boat one night , I asked jokingly , can I drive ? In my disbelief , you said , Yes You Can ! That night I learned the wind is not your friend !It was Bout Time to dock and I said , I don’t think I can , you said Yes You Can ! It wasn’t long after you said you had a job for me to do , I said I can’t because I don’t know how , you said Yes You Can ! Thank you for believing in me and letting me know I Can !
I will never forget you and will always love you !
Angela Huntley
January 4, 2021
To one of God’s very special angels. You will be deeply missed but not forgotten. I will never forget the night you grabbed me up to shag dance with you. But it may have been because someone had your beautiful wife dancing with her. Lol. Anyway I had never done that shag dance before but you told me to follow your lead and you got this. Embarrassed in front of all your family and friends, you put the biggest smile ever on my face. Thanks for that dance, I will never forget it.
Angela Huntley
Charlie Pittman
January 4, 2021
How do you put into words a way to remember someone like David? He was definitely one of a kind. He enjoyed his life and will be remembered for sharing it with others. We have so many wonderful memories that will be treasured forever. We were neighbors for over 20 years; neighbors that became family. Prayers for Tonya, David, Blake, Doris and the all of the family. As has been said, Karen and David were soulmates from the moment they met. Oh how I remember that story. There are so many stories…water balloons, the little house, the lake, the parties, the glass room, the pier, the hot tub, the beach, the boats, the garage, etc.etc. I love you Karen!
Chris & Lisa McGarr
January 4, 2021
It seems only a short time ago that we would see each other in the driveway while washing our cars or boats, helping each other work on both or even just stopping to chat at the mailbox. The boat rides and fishing are fond memories and will never be forgotten. Working the auctions and seeing Captain strolling up just waiting to here what he had to say, most of all telling us we were not working hard enough, haha. That laugh of his though! Captain, we will miss you.
Godspeed Captain David.
Chris and Lisa McGarr
Gail and Wesley Fox
January 4, 2021
Words cannot express the sadness my family and I feel over the loss of David. We have so many great memories of David's great big smile. Whether he was winning a bet off of me or riding out a hurricane on his yacht with Wesley. Or just spending time laughing over dinner. David definitely enjoyed his life. He was a family man.
Karen was the twinkle in his eye and the love of his life. He loved Tonya, David and Blake with all of his heart. He was also a working man. Always ready to go on a zone call at a moments notice. To my Sis, Tonya, David and Blake, God Bless you all. We love you very much. David loved you all very much and we will get through this together.
Wes and Gail Fox
Andy Barringer
January 4, 2021
Karen,
The decades of memories made with you and Dave will never fade. I will always be proud to call him my friend. I pray that God will give you strength and comfort your soul in this toughest of times. Please share my condolences with Tonya and the boys.
Much Love,
AndyB
David Coffey
January 4, 2021
I am sorry to hear of David’s passing he was always good to me. He helped me out a lot when I was a young man.We talked a lot back then,when I would come and buy motorcycles and vehicles from him.
He was a hard working man,I looked up to him and how him and Karen grew Eastway wrecker into what it is today .I will keep the family in my prayers.He will be missed
Lynn Forsythe
January 4, 2021
Dearest Karen, Tony and I are so sad about David. We always enjoyed the times we got to see the two of you when visiting Charlie and Kerry. We’re praying for comfort for you all. I can only imagine the deep grief and hurt. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Becky Price
January 4, 2021
Karen and family,
I was so very sad to hear of David’s passing.
You guys were so generous to have the Cochran reunion at your home a few times. I thoroughly enjoyed being there.
My Daddy used to say “that David Williams has been a hard worker since he was a little boy”. 😊 and the hard work has shown success.
I love his picture and that huge smile.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. You are loved ♥️
Becky (Gladden) Price
Kathleen Craton
January 4, 2021
Karen, I was so saddened to hear about this untimely passing of your husband. Its hard to find words of comfort. Hoping your faith will give you strength during this most grievous time. I send love, prayers, healing to you. So very sorry.
kerry pittman
January 4, 2021
Where to begin? I’m searching for the words. David and Miss Williams (BOSS LADY) known to everyone who knew and loves her, were mine and my wife’s (Charlie) next door neighbors for over 20 yrs. These were two of the greatest people we had ever met in our lifetime. They accepted us as part of their family from the beginning. If two people were ever born on this earth to be soul mates for life, in my eyes, it was David and Karen. Excuse me, I meant KAREN and David. He always put her first in everything. It is such a great loss for anyone and everyone that he touched and either helped or made laugh during his lifetime. It does not seem right that he was one of the first of our group to make the trip to heaven. But when I try and make since of it, I smile because I know that he will have everything prepared for the rest of us that will one day make the same journey, meet up and join with him again. To find him in heaven, just look for a BIG Boat with the radio wide open, probably playing a Kid Rock song. There is not enough room here for my memories or things I laughed at or all the great things that I shared with this man and Miss Williams. David Williams will be greatly missed by many, many people that he touched or met during his lifetime. I am so thankful that Charlie and myself were a chapter in Karen and Davids life. We are praying for this family and remembering all the great things that everyone shared with this family. Miss Williams I hope you smile when you read this, because that is my job, to make You smile when things seem so crazy in this world we live in today. I will always LOVE you. GODSPEED
Trudy Schneider
January 4, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen and the family. Captain will truly be missed.
David and Trudy Schneider
Dawn Smith
January 4, 2021
We will miss you David very much. Who is going to give me grief now? You were one of a kind. We love you all and here whenever you need us.
Love Mike and Dawn
Tammy Anderson
January 4, 2021
I was blessed to get to spend time with David and Karen and their family on several occasions at gatherings for birthdays or just for fun. I was treated like family and always had a great time. Nothing prepares us or the unexpected loss of a loved one. My heart goes out to the family. Please know that you guys have touched a lot of lives in a positive way. God bless.
Cortney Mullis
January 4, 2021
To say we are heartbroken would be an understatement . . . for so many reasons. The one thing I have realized in this life is that we will never understand some of God's decisions until we get Heaven although that does not ease the pain here on earth. Faith, family and friends can only do that. And I know, first hand, your family has an abundance of all of those. I don't think it is possible to think about "Captain" without smiling and what an awesome gift to leave behind. Bryan and I have soooooo many fond memories of Captain and Boss Lady taking a lot of crazy young adults along with them any where they went and there was always good times and lots of laughter. Thank goodness there was no social media and videos then!!!! LOL I remember one time I was standing with Captain on one of his many large boats :) and I said "It must suck to be you" and he thought that was hilarious and told everyone he talked to that night what I said. His contagious smile and laughter will be missed dearly but the fond memories and the smile that comes across your face as you think of Captain will live on forever. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our lives. We will keep your family in our Prayers and hope to see you all soon when we celebrate Captain.
Love Always,
Cortney and Bryan Mullis
Debra Withers
January 4, 2021
Karen, I was deeply saddened to hear the news of David’s passing and my heart goes out to you and your family. May you find comfort in the memories of your life together as you deal with this heartbreaking loss.
With prayers and love,
Debra Withers
Jerry Stiles
January 4, 2021
It’s been such an honor to call David a friend. A man that I have known 30 plus years and never had a cross word with. Always the best sense of humor and always such a positive smart man. I could ramble on all day of the fun talks we had and him joking about my off shore fishing boat that I have to inflate but everyone knows how David was. Karen try not to be sad but be happy. You had a great husband and the kids had a great dad. I love all of you like you were my family. We all wish he was still here but he will be waiting for us
Danny Kydd
January 4, 2021
I’ve known David and Karen for about 25 years, I enjoyed being around him. He was quick witted and always kept me laughing. I knew whenever I saw him we were going to laugh. He was generous; David always sponsored my son’s sports teams and church leagues. David always made me feel welcome; he made me feel like family. His one-liners and sense of humor will be missed. Gee and I are praying for peace and comfort for Karen and the Williams family during this difficult time.
donna flynn
January 4, 2021
I was saddened to hear of David's passing, he was a quiet man, but when he spoke, he made me chuckle. He was full of one liners that made the table laugh. He loved life and lived a full life. He loved his family more than water, a family man, with a granddaughter coming in a few months, she will have a guardian angel looking over herl For those who loved him the most, his wife Karen, and children, Tonya, David, and Blake, you are in my prayers and I love you. RIP David, until we all meet again.
John, Catherine & Ashley Fowler
January 4, 2021
We’ve been neighbors of the Williams for over 20 years! David was always so generous - we will miss his quick nod and wave from his big truck driving past our driveway. We are here for you, Karen.
Much love,
the Fowlers - and our dogs :)
Joe & Cindy Mullis
January 4, 2021
We are so sad to hear about David, our Prayers go out to all the family. God Bless them all.
Mitzi (Kirkley) Smith
January 4, 2021
Kerry, I am so sorry to hear about your loss...many prayers for you and your family!
Mitzi (Kirkley) Smith
Jennifer Kelso
January 3, 2021
Prayers for the family. I’ll never forget the first time I ever met Mr. David. It was Christmas Eve and I was maybe 4 or 5 yrs old, he came to Perry’s Market and I was excited to go open presents when we left. Well it was the first time he’s ever been to the store new to neighborhood or what ever and he came at the last second. I looked at him and said could you please just get what you want and leave we’re trying to go home and open presents. He ended up being one of our best customers. Thankfully he understood my just being a anxious little girl and my parents and I still laugh about it to this day. Hugs and prayers to all.
Ross Pipkin
January 3, 2021
David was a fun guy and a great person to play jokes on but one could be assured he would always get you back, I am saddened at his passing and my prayers go out to his family, he will certainly be missed.
Bethanie Dennis
January 3, 2021
David was amazing! He and Karen allowed me to join their family, one ☝️ of my first jobs working with his daughter Tonya, wife Karen, and sons David & Blake for almost 5 years. They treated me as family, one ☝️ of the best memories that I have from my youth! Praying 🙏 for my extended family! Love ❤️ you all! If there’s anything I can do to help ease your pain during this trying time pleaseeee let me know! We (Josh & myself) love ❤️ you all!
Johnny fox
January 3, 2021
David know a lot about cars if I had trouble figuring out what was wrong he would be the goto guy, l could always make him laugh, it just hard to believe he gone fly high my friend tell I see you again, give whitey and ken and the rest of them a hug for me, prayers for the family.
Sienna Beligrinis
January 3, 2021
David was a rare gem who shined brighter the more you “rubbed him the wrong way”. His sarcasm and dry sense of humor always made my day. Seeing David and Karen come through our doors always put a smile on my face because no matter how busy I was, David would make sure to let me know I could step it up a notch with that glimmer in his eye. We joked about him being a grouch, but when he smiled and laughed, his joy filled the room. Karen and family, the entire staff and I at Westlake Restaurant are so very sorry for your loss and we will miss him so much.
Wendy Sloan
January 3, 2021
Going to miss Capt. And our game of flipping the bird at each other. My heart goes out to you guys! If I can do anything please let me know .. love y’all !!
Missy Russell
January 2, 2021
Sending our love and prayers to you and your extended family Karen, Tonya, David Kelly and Blake. We all loved David very much and will cherish the wonderful memories we made with him. May God wrap his healing arms around all of you in the days ahead.
We love you all! Missy and Stanley Russell