David Hampton Efird, beloved son, brother and uncle and accomplished philosopher, theologian and ordained priest passed away suddenly on January 9, 2020 at the age of 45.

David is survived by his parents; George and Lynn Efird, his brother and sister-in-law Scott and Alison Efird and their children Tate, Madeline and Eliza Jane. He is also survived by his aunt, Ann Brookshire (Joe Grier), nieces, Laura and Lindsay, and his uncle, Jim Brookshire (Linda Peterson) and nephews, Jeff (Elle), Randall (Ashley) and Michael. He was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Lucille Efird and Brevard and Virginia Brookshire.

David was born on May 18,1974 in Raleigh, NC. He and his family moved to Charlotte shortly after he was born. He graduated from Providence Day School. David then received his Bachelor of Arts from Duke University in 1995 and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1998. He then moved to the United Kingdom where he would spend the rest of his years. He received a Master of Science degree from the University of Edinburg in 1999. After this, he went to Oxford University where he completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2002. David began teaching at the University of York in 2002 where he quickly became a favorite lecturer of his students. David also served as Dean and Provost as well as an editor for the international journal, Mind. He was a well-known philosopher and traveled often to give lectures and conferences.

David was ordained as priest in the Church of England in 2011 at York Minster Cathedral, where he served as curate for several years. Most recently, he served St. Clement's and St. Mary Bishopville churches in the City of York.

One of David's many joys was to travel with his mother, Lynn, who visited him several times a year. He also enjoyed theater and spending time with his family when he traveled back across the "pond." David was loved dearly for his kind, gentle, loving spirit and humble heart. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday Jan 18 at 2:00 pm at Providence United Methodist Church (2810 Providence Road, Charlotte) and a reception will be held prior to the service at 1:00 pm. His body will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn East at a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Men's Shelter of Charlotte P.O. Box 36471, Charlotte, NC 28236.

An online guestbook is available at www.heritagecares.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jan. 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for David Efird

15 Entries

Peter Mayhew

March 4, 2020

I wanted to write to express my sadness at the loss of David, who was a colleague of mine at the University of York since 2002. I served with David as a supervisor of the University academic practice programme for new lecturers for over ten years. I always felt that David brought such a cheery and wise presence to a room, that his opinions were always thoughtfully and carefully made, and worth listening to, and I developed over the years a deep fondness and respect for him. David and I shared similar values and a congruent vision of what universities should be about, opinions that might now be considered somewhat old-school or unfashionable. I always felt that with people like David about, the University, and indeed the world, was in safe hands. I am grateful that I occasionally managed to voice this to him personally. Bizarrely, David and I recently found ourselves on opposite sides of a debate, at a local school, to which we had both been invited to participate, about whether evolution and creation were compatible (me from a biologist's, him from a philosopher/priest's perspective). Having argued our opposite cases in a hard, fair and good-humoured way, he accepted a lift in my car back to York, and we had a very memorable and humorous conversation about life's many challenges! I have been devastated to lose such a generous and warm-hearted colleague and will miss him very much. My deep condolences to all his friends and family.

Edward Caine

February 2, 2020

I feel embarrassed that it has taken me this long to gather my thoughts enough to talk about David. It was a huge shock to me when he passed, and cruel that he was taken so young.

There are many great things I remember about David. His wall of gins installed promptly after he became provost. His fish tank that never contained any fish.

He was a selfless and humanitarian man and as my boss when working as a welfare tutor at the college, he included me and everyone in everything that he could. He made me feel welcome and important at a time in my life when I felt unimportant and unappreciated.

Two stories that stick in my mind when thinking about David:
His first speech as provost, his "Steve Jobs" moment, when he gave all 300 students his personal mobile phone number, so that they could call or text him any time of the day. David, I'm sure, came to regret that openness at points, but never the sentiment.

I was already Music Tutor when he started as provost, and I had mentioned the lack of a practice room for bands in the college. He invited me to use his garage, which we did, perching a drum kit on a stone floor by the washing machine. After 2 weeks of noise he asked me what it would take to sound proof it. I took the question to facilities. When they looked around the garage they promptly said that we couldn't use the space and that it did not meet health and safety regulations. Attempting (I think) to put me off, they quoted about £20-30k to convert it into a useable space. I took the figure to David in a dejected state. His response was "Great, we can do that". To this day, Vanbrugh has a practice room and recording studio, and a Rock Tutor, amongst many things, thanks to David's support, along with some very generous donations from Alumni.

I feel that this does not do the man justice though. I spent many a happy hour debating religion with David, and we shared some very intense welfare situations. If there was ever a man that deserved a longer run at life, it was him. Miss you David x

Conrad Bank

February 1, 2020

My deepest condolences. I was a member of David's congregation at St. Mary, Bishophill, York. His preaching was a great source of strength and comfort to me and I know to many others in the City of York. We were so lucky to have him.

Angus Ryan

January 26, 2020

David was first and foremost my friend, and then my teacher. I met him at when I was studying at the University of York. He aided me academically, but was a great support during my own struggles with mental health and family bereavement. I was fortunate enough to see him a few months ago when he visited China.

I wish I had words of comfort for any who knew him, but his death appears as a gaping wound to many of us. I miss him dearly and will not forget him.

To his family, I never had the chance to meet you, but he talked of you often and with a great amount of love and affection. You have my sincerest regards at this time.

Cyndi Stewart

January 22, 2020

Know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. I work with Allison.

January 19, 2020

so very sorry for the loss of your dear son. Many blessings,
Love, Betsy and Jody Seymour

Susan Morris

January 17, 2020

David & Lynn - I'm so sorry to hear about David. Please know that I am thinking of you and all your family. Prayers-
Susan Byerly Morris

January 17, 2020

So sorry to hear about his passing. May the Lord be with you at this time.
....... George B and Jackie McCall

Cindy Schoolfield

January 16, 2020

So very sorry for your loss.

James Armstrong

January 16, 2020

I was a student at the University of York when David was dean and then joined the Vanbrugh College team when David was provost. It was a difficult time in my own life as I had recently lost my parents. Daut short. I never met his familyvid was a very good friend to me in those years and I recall many evenings spent in his living room discussing philosophy and life. He was a very wise man and a very kind man. He was patient, both intellectually and in his temperament, with kindness in abundance. He will be greatly missed and it is a tragedy that his life has been c, but he spoke about you often. You are in my thoughts in the weeks and months ahead. David was a very good friend to me and I regret that I won't be able to share and other late night conversation with him over a whisky. Rest in peace, David.

Lenore Klassen

January 16, 2020

David will be missed by so many: friends, colleagues, and students. He was such a lovely man and I am so sorry for your loss. I interviewed David when I first moved here from Canada and I was so impressed by his insight into student life and his ideas around how to support them. He had a real insight into the people around him; this made him a popular lecturer, supervisor, Provost of Vanbrugh College, Head of James College, and Anglican Priest. His kind and gentle manner served him well in all areas of life and his legacy will live on in the people whose life he touched here in York.

Suzy Roberts

January 15, 2020

Lynn and George, Bill and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking of you and keeping you and your family in our prayers.

Andrew De Smet

January 15, 2020

I am shocked to hear of David's death, he was a very gifted priest and academic, a great loss to the Church in York and to the University. You his family are in my prayers