David Lee Barham

David Lee Barham, age 52, passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021 at his home. He was born and raised in Raleigh, NC.  David is survived by immediate family members: his mother Kelli Moore Barham; father Edward Lee Barham, Jr.; brother Seth Paul Barham (Heidi Kost Barham).  To cherish David’s memory are his nephew Banks Paul Barham (7) and niece Darby Leigh Barham (4) as well as a large family and extended family of special aunts, uncles, and cousins. His former wife, Suzanne Giddings Barham remained his devoted supporter and adviser.

David is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Esther Davis Moore Lutrick and Paul “Bub” Gilbert Moore, Jr., and paternal grandparents, Edna Earle Johnson Barham and Edward Lee Barham, Sr.

David graduated in 1987 from Ravenscroft High School in Raleigh, NC, where he was a talented football defensive back achieving induction into Ravenscroft Football Hall of Fame as well as, a scrapping baseball catcher and second baseman.  

 After high school, David attended ECU before enlisting in the US Navy on April 3, 1990. He was sent to Naval Station Great Lakes, Chicago, IL for boot camp. Out of the 1,400 recruits attending, David was the #1 recruit receiving the Naval Excellence Award--the highest award for any recruit.  This award allowed him first choice of station pick. Choosing Oahu, Hawaii, he was stationed for four years at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. He was a Second Class Petty Officer Hull Technician receiving a National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, also, serving during Gulf War 1991.  While in service, he was designated to spearhead the United Way Campaign for areas designated.  After four years of Honorable service, David attended and graduated from NC State University in Raleigh, NC receiving his BA in Economics in 1997.  All things related to NCSU David took great pride in and was a member of the Wolf Pack Club.  David worked at UPS, and then ADI, securing wholesale distribution of electronics before starting NeuWave Systems in 2003 with his business partner, Andy Felton. Together they built a successful business providing professional audio/video/ security equipment and services.  NeuWave was an industry leader in the Triangle and surrounding areas providing all major electronic brands.

Throughout David’s life, he was fondly called by many names including; “Barham”, “DB”, “Cool Breeze Barham.” Indeed, “too cool to be forgotten.” His much loved black labs, “Elbo, Sr.” and “Elbo, Jr.” were his constant companions for many years. He had a passion for golf and over the years was a member at Raleigh Country Club, North Ridge Country Club, and Morehead City Country Club. His love and reputation for his cooking, BBQ’s with Papa Barham’s “special sauce.”  Family and friends were always the beneficiaries of his good food.  David touched many lives through his infectious dimpled smile, expressive beautiful brown eyes, generosity in giving support to advance others, kindness of heart, intense loyalty to cherished friends, sense of humor and wit, outgoing spirit, and his deep abiding love of family, foremost as a son, brother, uncle. David was a Team Captain for the Boys and Girls Club of Wake County giving generously and organizing and sponsoring fundraisers. David was deeply honored serving on the selection board for his beloved friend’s memorial, The Charles Paul Horner Memorial Scholarship established 1-20-2002. David loved a variety of music with a huge play list, boating, fishing, and going to the beach. He had a residence in Atlantic Beach for many years before moving to Wilmington, NC.   David enjoyed long vigorous walks often with others.

The family would like to give the deepest of heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Justin Miller and staff, New Hanover County EMS, Hospice Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, for their dedication, compassionate care and constant support, and to his personal caregivers Barbara and Sherwood Miller and their 24/7 team for their loving care of our beloved “DB.” David was a member of White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, and also often attended Edenton Street Methodist Church, in Raleigh, NC.

A memorial service will be held at the Frank H. Kenan Chapel At Landfall, 510 Arboretum Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405 on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 11:00 am. A casual visitation with family and friends will begin at 10:00 am prior to the service at the Chapel entrance area. Interment will be a private family prayer ceremony immediately following the memorial service in the adjacent Chapel Woods.  

Associate Pastor, Rev. David Haley of Wrightsville United Methodist Church will officiate the service.

The family will host a luncheon immediately following the memorial service and invite all attending to join the family to celebrate David’s life at the residence of David’s Aunt and Uncle, Susan Moore Thomas and Jeff Thomas. Address will be provided at the service, or you may contact a family member. Parking will be directed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Boys and Girls Club of Wake County, 605 N. Raleigh Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27610, Food Bank Central & Eastern NC, 1924 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604 or to a favorite charity of your choice.

Condolences, cards, pictures, and special memories of David can be sent to the Barham family at emailed to [email protected]