David Millsaps

1950 - 2021

David Millsaps
December 10, 1950 - June 3, 2021
Cornelius, North Carolina - The night of June 3rd a sherbert sunset reflected on a calm Lake Norman after one of its most loyal sons, David Cromwell Millsaps, 70, passed on at his home overlooking the lake. He was with his wife Holly, and sons. Not long before, David had the chance to address friends and family at a gathering celebrating his military service: "[To my] friends all over the world. I love every one of you," he said, finishing with, "I ask only that you too would spread the love everywhere you go."
Never has a man been more universally described as "cool" by those who met him. He was cool, relating to people effortlessly, putting them at ease, while putting forward fashion and interests that were youthful and expressive. The only thing that belied all of this cool was a passion for terrible jokes.
David was born in 1950, the middle son of three, to Harvey and Adelyn Millsaps of Mooresville. That meant a childhood of transistors, space and Rock and Roll. David built FM radio kits, model rockets and listened to records. Graduating highschool in 1969, he was every bit a "hippie." Donning jeans and Chuck Taylors covered in his illustrations, David and his friends formed a band, The Phenomenal Mindgarden, and played shows all over.
David was drafted by the Army and went to Vietnam. He was honorably discharged. The Veterans Administration was an important part of his life long care and later he volunteered with their mental health services. While he promoted peace with all of humanity, he was a proud veteran and patriot. He believed the United States was a place where everyone was due equal respect and opportunity.
He went into construction and started his own company. As a carpenter he approached his work as a serious craft, paying close attention to the details. Many of the homes he built still stand in the Lake Norman area.
He had three boys with his first wife, Elizabeth. As a father he taught his passions: music, stereo equipment, and model rockets. He knew how to make anything, and when he would tell one of his sons how to start a project it always came in the form of "Well the first thing you gotta do is..."
His second business was a music store in the early 90s, Home Town Records. It was a temple to the artists and artform that he loved most. It connected David to other music lovers in the area, including his future wife Holly.
MP3s opened the world of music even more for David. He ran a pirate radio station, broadcasting an endless mix of his favorite new music to all his neighbors and every radio on his property (there were many).
His boat, and the stereo he installed in it, were a source of great joy for him and he loved to share it with friends. In his last good days he talked about how thankful he was for his time on the water and with his friends.
For David the last weeks were spent being comforted by his attentive and loving wife, Holly. David would tell anyone who visited that he loved her more than anything. Friends and family made frequent visits, and David smoked his cigarettes and presented a good attitude. Even in this time David remained cool, a gifted charmer, knowing the right thing to say to put his audience at ease.
During his final days he was attended to around the clock by Holly and his middle son Gordon. Gordon played many guitar serenades, providing David with the sounds he loved most.
David is survived by his wife Holly Millsaps and he wants you to know how much he loves her. His three sons, David (Reagan Wise) of Raleigh, Gordon (Su Barber) of Treadwell, New York and Stewart of Charlotte will carry forward his passion for music and the artists that make it. David had two step-sons that he loved, Clay Christian (Kristen) and Taylor Christian (Christy). David was G-day to his grandchildren and he cherished the time he had with Helena and Eloise Millsaps and Holly's grandson Charlie Christian. He is also survived by his two supportive brothers Gene Millsaps (Jean) of Mooresville and Don Millsaps (Holly) of Asheville.
The family wishes that you would listen to your favorite album and share your favorite memories of David with whomever you can.
Those who wish to honor his memory are invited to send donations to the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center of Salisbury, NC (704) 638-9000, ext. 13409.