David Barton Renfroe, 65, of Cornelius, left this life on March 23rd, 2017. Born in 1952 in Charlotte, NC, to Virgil Sylvanius and Melba Hewitt Renfroe. David was a graduate of Myers Park High School and UNC-Charlotte with a BA in Creative Arts. He was a talented ceramic artist known especially for his face mugs and sculptural fountains. Many of his works remain as testament to his gift in such diverse settings as the JC Raulston Arboretum at NCSU, the Smithsonian Gardens, and numerous private homes and gardens nationwide. David and his wife Jane spent many decades and raised their two daughters Christine Moore and Melissa Buerckholtz in the mountains near Marshall, NC where they built a home and studio, and forged a strong connection to the land and the community. David will be remembered by all who knew him for his creativity, independent spirit and gentle loving soul. He is survived by his wife and daughters, his brother Richard, grandchildren Ashley and Owen, great-granddaughter Bella, and several nieces and nephews along with their families. David was predeceased by both parents and his brothers Joseph and Virgil Scott. A memorial celebration will be planned by the family at a later date. The family may be contacted through a memorial site at legacy.com or Cavin-Cook Funeral Home of Mooresville, NC. Planting a tree or donations for same at alivingtribute.org are encouraged. Special thank you to Pam Overcash for her support of our family.

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life" - Pablo Picasso

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

Published by Charlotte Observer on Mar. 28, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for David Renfroe

23 Entries

James S Phelps

March 22, 2025

I still miss David a lot

Mark Selleck

March 22, 2021

David is remembered every day, when we are greeted at our front door by the hanging lamp he made for us. It was always a pleasant time when we were able to get together and talk about projects and general life experiences.

Mark Selleck

March 22, 2020

Three years have passed, but memories never fade. David's hanging lamp still guides visitors to our front door.

Virgil Renfroe

April 6, 2017

I am so very sad to hear this. I will always remember David as being with me in my darkest hour, when he passed me a drink along with Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, left for a moment, flicked a switch, and lit up the night with an entire mountainside of lamps. He made the world better. May he rest in peace.

Virginia Bower

April 5, 2017

I am so sad to get the news of David's passing. My heart is with his family as they walk together in his absence.

Neil & Harriett Buerckholtz

April 3, 2017

We have very fond memories of David, we know this is a hard loss for the family. We love you all

A Renfroe

April 3, 2017

Arlene and I are deeply saddened by David's passing. You're all in our prayers and please let us know when we can come up to visit.

Mark Selleck

April 1, 2017

We were very sorry to read of David's passing. We met 30+ years ago, while we were both displaying our work at the Southern Living show in Charlotte. We traded with each other, and one of David's hanging lamps lights the area around our front door. Over the years we visited in various locations, and we'll never forget the ride up the 'hill' to his family's mountain home. All of our family enjoyed our contact and conversation, and he will be fondly remembered. I regret we never collaborated on a table we spoke with each other about. That would have been a wonderful piece. We're sorry David is no longer with us, but we will remember him whenever we see or use his creations, and he will stay in our lives with our memories. Best Wishes to all.

Z F

March 31, 2017

Sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you all during this difficult time. (2 Cor. 1:2-4)

Cathy Walgate

March 29, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. David brightened our lives with his creative and soothing art.

David at a show in 2005 image III

Jim Phelps

March 29, 2017

David at a show in 2005 image II

Jim Phelps

March 29, 2017

David at a show in 2005 image I

Jim Phelps

March 29, 2017

conrad bookout

March 29, 2017

As you know, David and I were friends since the 2nd grade! And we shared many memorable adventures together! I was glad to visit with him on my last trip to Charlotte and please get in touch if there's anything I can do. Love to you all!

Bicky Bookout
[email protected]
575 779 0924

Karen Hensley

March 29, 2017

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please let us know.

Melissa Buerckholtz

March 29, 2017

Melissa Buerckholtz

March 29, 2017

I don't know how to respond directly to the previous post about William David, they are unrelated. My understanding, though indirect, is that there were two David Renfroes at MPHS at the same time and William David passed away some years ago (this caused some confusion at the reunion!). My father may not be in the 1969 book as he did not attend all four years, but I have included a high school era photo here. You may also remember my mother at MPHS as Jane Sibley.

March 28, 2017

Thinking of you in your loss.Lost George a little over a year ago. A life changing event. Fran Kerr

March 28, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. I will pray for the family. 2 Corinthians chapter 1 verses 3 and 4

Jim Phelps

March 28, 2017

My deepest sympathy to Jane and the rest of the family. My heart goes out to you all.

Wendy (White) Stevens

March 28, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

March 28, 2017

Hi, Post reading the Obit. I looked for him in my 1969 MPHS yearbook. It shows "William David Renfroe" in the Junior class then. I was wondering if there was a name change or if this is not a 'one & the same' scenario. Can someone please confirm this to me. I attach a photo of William David Renfroe from that publication.

March 28, 2017

May god's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad and difficult time. Psalms 119 : 50,76 EJC. GA.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results