David Martin Vandenboom

David Martin Vandenboom, 76, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 1, 1948, in San Bernardino, California, to Alden and Elizabeth Vandenboom, David grew up in a proud military family and spent much of his childhood moving from place to place before settling in Florida. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in Orlando in 1966, where he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Marlene Lilly. The two married a couple years later after graduation.

David proudly served four years in the United States Marine Corps, including nine months stationed in Okinawa and three months in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he made North Carolina his home. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Business Economics from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

David worked much of his career in retail management, where he became known to many as "Big Dave." With his wit, humor, and fairness, he created a strong work environment and taught employees the value of hard work and good character.

Known for his larger-than-life presence, David was a born storyteller and full of imagination. He created games, made up silly characters (like "John Toilet and the Flushers"), and always brought humor into every situation. He was deeply patriotic, proud of his Marine service, and valued his family above all else. He enjoyed fishing, coaching softball, and volunteering with Project Santa to bring Christmas joy to families in need. David was also famous for making homemade banners for every occasion, from birthdays to graduations, and even dreamed up the annual "Sock Pairing Party."

David cherished his role as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather - first a dad, then "Papa Dave," and finally "Papa Dave the Great." His children and grandchildren recall watching cartoons, coloring with his big wooden box of crayons, reading together, and singing silly songs like Ging Gang Goolie and John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt. He was always their biggest cheerleader and hype man - supportive, proud, and involved in every stage of life. He filled childhoods with joy and fun, and he passed down traditions that will never be forgotten.

A lifelong sports fan, David's heart belonged to the Green Bay Packers. His room was a shrine of green and gold, filled with jerseys, license plates, flags, pins, and memorabilia of every kind. He also enjoyed cheering on NC State Wolfpack football. His love of the game, like his love for life, was contagious.

In his later years, David became known for his lively Facebook presence, where he called his friends his "fans." He filled timelines with jokes, polls, and daily holiday updates, always bringing a smile to others. Above all, his posts showed his devotion to Marlene, the love of his life and faithful caregiver.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Alden and Elizabeth Vandenboom; his stepmother, Ruth Vandenboom; his sisters, Geri Trail, Kay Kendra, and Linda Burks; his mother-in-law, Macy Lilly Varian; his father-in-law, Cyril Lilly; his stepfather-in-law, Fred Varian; his son-in-law, Aaron Douglas Miller; his brothers-in-law, Earl Jones and Michael Pirtle; his niece, Haley Smith; and his nephew, Ryan Jones.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marlene Lilly Vandenboom; his daughters, Teresa (John) Williams and Stacy Miller; his sons, Paul (Tammy) Vandenboom and Edward Vandenboom. He is also survived by his sisters, Connie (Jerry) Ingram and Patty (Ricky) Boles; his brother, Craig (Naomi) Vandenboom; his sisters-in-law, Sue Pirtle, Kay Lilly, and Melissa Jones; and his brothers-in-law, Rick (Dee) Lilly and Pat Burks. David was the proud grandfather of Sydney Morgan (Oussama Hamdouchi), Sarah (Michael) Clark, Kayla Brooke Miller, Cameron Vandenboom (Aaron Mills), Rebekah Vandenboom, Kasey Vandenboom, Ashley (Drew) Hudgens, Nathan Vandenboom, and Luke Miller. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Brantley Clark and Nora Hamdouchi; and many nieces and nephews.

Above all, David will be remembered for his love of family, his humor and creativity, and his gift for making life brighter for everyone around him. His legacy of laughter, love, and storytelling will live on through those who knew and cherished him.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service & Crematory, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545. Visitation will begin one hour prior, at 1:00 p.m. Military honors will include the playing of Taps, folding of the flag, and presentation to the family. A reception will follow at the home of his daughter, Teri, and her husband, John Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in David's memory to one of the following causes close to his heart:

• Support our veterans:

o Donate to Tunnel to Towers Foundation

o Donate to Disabled American Veterans

o Donate to Wounded Warrior Project

• Support local animals in need: Please consider donating to your local animal shelter, honoring David's love for his dogs and all animals who bring joy into our lives.