David Lemons

Henri Nouwen once said, "Friendship makes all of life shine brightly."
If you knew Dave Lemons, you felt that because you were a friend. From the very beginning of his life to the very end, Dave had a magical, endearing way of engaging with those around him, which culminated in a deeply fulfilling and loving life.
David Wayne Lemons, 58, of Wenham MA, died peacefully on August 10, 2024.
Dave was born April 24, 1966, in Wilmington, Delaware, the son of Ethredge Wayne Lemons and Janet Manville Lemons.
Dave is survived by his loving wife Nancy Corns Lemons, his son James Ethredge Lemons, daughter Sydney Alafair Lemons, his first wife Lisa Combs Lemons, stepdaughters Katherine Jane Littlehale and Eliza Corns Littlehale, his mother Janet Manville Lemons, his sister Martha Allyn Lemons and brother-in-law Henry Sinclair Sherrill, and numerous other loving family members.
David was predeceased by his father Ethredge Wayne Lemons.
Dave Lemons was earnest, honest, deeply loyal and dependable. These virtues were instilled in him growing up in an idyllic neighborhood and loving household with doting parents and adoring sister. His childhood education in the Quaker philosophy at Wilmington Friends School helped shape him into the gentleman he was, their core beliefs as reliant as a compass: integrity, community, equality, peace, stewardship, and simplicity.
Dave graduated from Wilmington Friends School in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1984 and earned a B.A. in History from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1988. At Trinity, he studied Economics at The London School of Economics. He began his distinguished career in finance in Boston working with several prominent institutions and became a Registered Investment Advisor with Merrill Lynch in 1991. He achieved the highest level of the CFA designation in 1999. After working with several firms, he reached the pinnacle of his career goals in starting his own firm, Alapocas Investment Partners, in 2019, proudly named after a bucolic and beautifully preserved state park located in the Brandywine Valley near his childhood home.
Throughout his career, he amassed a loyal group of clients, all of whom he counted as friends and family rather than just clients. Beyond his hard-earned knowledge, expertise, and experience, Dave had a rare gift of understanding the complexities of world economies, politics and business from the macro to the micro detail - much like a master watchmaker understands the workings of a beautifully intricate Swiss watch. He had a keen analytical mind yet could explain anything with clarity and patience. His integrity and care engendered trust and ease for those he worked with. Dave skipped to work every single day. He valued his co-workers and employees, and he appreciated their diligence, hard work, and contributions.
Dave was an active member and fearless leader of the Cape Ann Investment Forum, a longstanding group on the North Shore of mostly retired investment professionals from the Boston area. They looked forward to their monthly lunch meetings and forums where they would eat club sandwiches and analyze, predict and/or complain about the current stock market and world affairs. CAIF was very special to Dave, and he took pride in taking the reins of the group from his dear friend and neighbor, Mr. Carl V. Swanson.
Even if you knew Dave Lemons, you may not know that he earned the highest designation in the Boy Scouts of America: the Eagle Scout. Though this was a huge achievement, Dave was most proud when his son Jake earned the same distinction. Dave always preferred sharing in someone else's glory and recognition over his own. Except for golf - the love of which may have tied his love for his wife.
On the golf course, his happiest place in the world, Dave brought an intentionality and breadth of knowledge to his game that could rival many golf teachers and course architects. Dave's most joyful and fulfilling moments on the course were walking and playing with his bride on a beautiful evening, palling around with his buddies, or proudly showing off the course to clients and new friends - upon whom he bestowed plenty of advice! Winning tournaments wasn't so bad either - the biggest feather in his golf cap was winning the prestigious Dudley L. Pickman Golf Tournament in 2019 with a dear friend.
Dave formed and sustained his many close friendships throughout the years. Those from his formative years at Friends School were his nearest and dearest throughout his life (although his motley crew from Trinity would argue otherwise!) The fun and shenanigans of those four years on campus in Hartford, in London, and with his Delta Phi (St. Elmo) fraternity brothers were some of his most favorite days on earth. As he transitioned into the professional world in Boston, he met and subsequently married his first wife Lisa and moved to Hamilton, MA where they were enveloped in a welcoming community and where their children Jake and Sydney thrived. Dave was a devoted father and enjoyed being involved in their sports and activities. Dave was beyond proud of the people Jake and Sydney had become -- kind, engaged, thoughtful stewards of the world -- embodying those core beliefs he held so tightly.
Dave met his second wife, Nancy, through a small town connection blind date, and after that one night the rest was history. They dated quietly for a time and gradually began to integrate into each other's families. Kate & Eliza slowly began to understand Dave's quiet wisdom, gentle demeanor, and dependable heart. Jake & Sydney slowly began to understand Nancy's homemaking skills, prowess in the kitchen, and loving openness. Their dog Greta even took her share of baked goods unabashedly. Nancy and Dave married in the backyard of their blended family home in August of 2018 with their family and dear friends surrounding them. They were happiest at their home hosting family dinners almost every night, cocktail parties or just being together. Their mutual love for each other's children and families-at-large were and will continue to be cherished and unbreakable bonds.
The quintessential gentleman, Dave welcomed everyone who passed through his doors with warmth. He treated ladies with an old-fashioned deference and taught young men to do the same. He was gentle, but strong; a rock for those who relied on him and always true to his word. Dave was a rare individual who thought before he spoke, always found time for people, and put others' interests in front of his own. He was a champion of a guy: the consummate son, a proud brother, an admirable dad, a tender and kind husband and a dear friend to all.
We are all better and will do better for having known Dave. His earnestness, joviality, and kindness will leave a lasting legacy with countless friends, colleagues, classmates, and most of all his cherished family. May we all remember the light that Dave brought into our lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave's memory may be sent to:
Myopia Hunt Club Caddie Scholarship Fund, https://www.eccf.org
Reforest the Tropics, https://reforestthetropics.org/
Trinity College, https://trincoll.edu
Wilmington Friends School, https://www.wilmingtonfriends.org
Services for David will be private. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly.
Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.