David Flowers

David Flowers

LUMBERTON — David Earl Flowers, 57, passed away on Dec. 6, 2014.

He was born on Sept. 8, 1957, in Robeson County and was a graduate of Littlefield High School.

David attended Methodist College as a baseball recruit with a passion for the sport his father nurtured and passed on to him. He was named First Team All-USA South Athletic Conference (1979) by his alma mater and was drafted by the Montreal Expos' Minor League Baseball affiliate team as a left-throw pitcher before embarking on his teaching career. David was an educator with the Public Schools of Robeson County for 30 years before retiring in 2012.

Over the years, David hung up his glove and replaced it with a golf club. He perfected his swing and became an avid golfer, participating in numerous tournaments and challenging anyone to 18 holes. He worked part-time at both local courses at various times in his life and played as much as possible. Golf was David's way of life. He got his first hole-in-one at Pinecrest Country Club on May 28, 2013.

Not only was David an athlete, he was a jack of all trades and proud of his masterpieces. He could build anything he set his mind to with a hammer and nail and loved to tackle any woodwork project presented to him with the same determination and achievement that was so characteristic of David. He enjoyed working outside in the garden and bringing his vegetables to the table. Throughout his life, he spent countless hours outdoors, on the river, the green, and the diamond.

David was more than an athlete and teacher. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, and friend. He loved his family and his roots and was always willing to lend a helpful hand in the community. His contagious smile and drum-roll sense of humor could fill a room with warmth. His friendly, competitive nature was hard not to love. Taken too soon, David will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Flowers; and a brother, Joe Wayne Flowers.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Leggette Flowers of the home; his mother, Ruby Neal Lamb Flowers of Lumberton; his daughters, Chelsea Amanda Flowers of Durham, and Courtney Miranda Flowers of Raleigh; his stepdaughters, Katie Marie Floyd of Lumberton, and Ashley Ellen Floyd of Concord; a stepson, Ben Giles Floyd of the home; his brothers Kenneth Neil Flowers and wife Pauline, and Stevie Ray Flowers and wife Jennifer and a sister Carolyn Faye Britt and husband H.T., all of Lumberton; and his adored pets, Izzy and Gracie.

The visitation with the family will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Floyd Mortuary in Lumberton.

A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Floyd Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be made to the Lumberton Youth Baseball Association, P.O. Box 1346, Lumberton, N.C., 28359.

Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.floydmortuary.net

Written by his daughter Courtney Flowers, with love.