David Orbaugh

David Robert Orbaugh, 84, of Huntersville, NC passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024 of complications from COVID-19. He was born in Indianapolis, IN and grew up in Miami, FL. Dave often described his childhood years in Miami spent fishing and exploring the beaches and parks as living in a tropical paradise. One of his delights was swimming at night in Coral Gables' Venetian Pool and bicycling home along the quiet, dark streets of Miami.
Dave's professional life began while a pre-teen in Miami, where he operated a one-man lawn and garden care business. Part of his service included cultivating scrap cuttings, which grew into "new" plants he then sold back to the same customers.
Dave graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1957 and served in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1958-1964. He was honorably discharged and recommended for reenlistment.
After basic training in the United States Air Force, Dave returned to Miami and was hired at The Miami Herald to work in the Camera Platemaking Department. In the mid- to latter-20th century, papers were printed from steel plates fixed onto reels. Dave was one of the plate makers. But the introduction of computers into the newspaper business instantly intrigued him. He pestered the Human Resources Director to let him have a job in this new department, until finally wearing the man down with his persistence. Dave started with the basics: learning how to program, while enrolling in the new computer classes offered at night at the local community college. He was meticulous and detail-oriented, two qualities that served him well in the field of computers. Dave was promoted regularly and in 1975 was recruited to work at The Charlotte Observer newspaper in Charlotte, NC, as Director of Advanced Systems, the early name for the computer department. After a 41-year career in newspapers, Dave retired in 2001 as Vice President of Information and Technology at The Charlotte Observer.
Retirement did not slow Dave at all. In fact, it gave him more time to pursue his social justice commitments to prison ministry and mission work in other countries. He practiced his faith in impactful ways through opportunities in the Methodist Church. Retirement also gave him the time to engage in his favorite pastime, gardening. Dave created beautiful gardens both at his Huntersville home and at his and Tonya's cabin in the mountains. He continued his love of gardening and being outside until he contracted COVID on December 20, 2023.
Dave was a quiet man with deadpan humor who also could achieve the New York Times Spelling Bee "Genius" level before his second cup of coffee. Though reared during a time period when social justice and equality were often ignored by those in positions of privilege, Dave spent his life quietly working for change and creating opportunities for marginalized people. He served for many years on the Board of Directors for The Salvation Army and The Belmont Avenue Boys and Girls Club in Charlotte. He was an active member of Kairos Prison Ministry and traveled on mission trips to multiple countries, including Cuba, Guatemala, and Kenya. He and Tonya sponsored several young Kenyans' educations and helped to build a school in Nakuru, Kenya.
An avid soccer fan, Dave enjoyed refereeing for 15 years through the North Carolina Soccer Referee Association (NCSRA). Maybe it was all that physical activity that kept him younger than his years. A handsome man with an enviable head of hair, it was suspected that Dave secretly hid a youthful portrait of himself in the attic as in the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Even during his last days in the hospital, healthcare professionals were astonished to learn that their patient was, in fact, 84 years old.
Dave was preceded in death by parents, Robert Deloss Orbaugh and Pauline Miner Orbaugh, and sister Patricia Ponce.
Dave is survived by his wife of 33 years Tonya Wertz-Orbaugh; daughter Elizabeth (Beth) K. Piojda (Joe) of Franklinton, NC; son Ken D. Orbaugh of New Bern, NC; and granddaughter Ashlee E. Piojda of Franklinton NC and Savannah, GA; Two half-sisters, Rose Charland and Kathy Ramsey, both of Orlando, FL. Dave also leaves behind his "adopted" daughter Breanne Weber of Charlottesville, VA, four nephews, and many relatives and friends whose relationships he cherished. He leaves behind his beloved dog Eli, who will miss his Pawpa forever. Dave will be missed by so many people, which is a testament to the love he both gave and received.
Dave requested a Celebration of Life in lieu of a funeral, which will be held in April.
Memorial Gifts may be made to Kairos of North Carolina Prison Ministry, State Financial Secretary, P. O. Box 2543, Shelby, NC 28151 (You may also donate online https://kairosnc.org/edonation ) Or feel free to give to the charity of your choice.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.