It is with a somber and reflective heart that we bid adieu to a man of remarkable character, David William Reep. On the tranquil morning of August 22nd, 2023, in the sanctuary of his dreams, he quietly embarked on his final journey at the age of 78, cradled by the gentle embrace of Carolina Caring Hospice. A devoted husband, an exceptional father and grandfather, a steadfast Christian, a former deacon, and a beacon of heroism within the community, David's legacy will eternally illuminate the paths he graced.
Born December 20th, 1944 in Lincolnton, NC he was the son of the late Lawson Perry Reep and Delia Tutherow Reep.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Bud and Carroll Reep; and a sister Margaret Reep Thames.
David was a 1965 graduate of West Lincoln High School, where he was nominated as the "Wittiest" by his classmates. He jokingly said he met his wife Betty in an institution (CVTI - Catawba Valley Technical Institute) after they graduated, they got married and stayed that way for 56 years.
He was a long-time member and Deacon of West Hickory Baptist Church and served on the security team every Sunday. The majority of his career David worked as a Sheriff's Deputy for the Catawba County Sheriff's Department. He had a true love, and an appreciation, for law enforcement and even took a bullet in 1977 while responding to a domestic abuse call. After that he worked as a manager of a Goodyear Tire and Auto store in Lenior, NC.
David was a craftsman, he enjoyed building things for his neighbors, friends and family. He enjoyed and participated in the Mayberry Days Festival in Mount Airy, NC where he led the parade in his 1962 Ford Galaxy patrol car accompanied by his SWAT team (friends and family armed with fly swatters) David had his picture made with every living cast member of the Andy Griffith Show and even had them sign the dashboard of his patrol car.
He had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, especially the Appalachian Trail. But his main source of enjoyment was spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Pitts Reep; two sons: Jonathan David Reep (Jodie Reep), Jason Michael Reep (Stephanie Reep); sister Kay Reep Lawing (Don Lawing); grandchildren: Tucker Reep Justice (Madison Frank), Kayla Lynn Reep, and Zachary Morgan Reep; step-grandchildren: Tate and Laney Patterson, Coleman, Campbell and Cooper Reich; and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at 5:00 PM at West Hickory Baptist Church on Wednesday August 30th, 2023 with a memorial service to be held directly after at 6:00 PM, Pastor Scott Frady will be officiating. The family encourages anyone with fond memories or a "David Reep" story to please share it during the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his memory to West Hickory Baptist Church, 40 12th St., NW
Hickory, NC 28601 or to the Catawba County Sheriff's Office (c/o Bass-Smith Funeral Home) to PO Box 1869,
Hickory, NC 28603.
Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory will be serving the Reep family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.