David Meredith Cardona

1951 - 2024

CARDONA, David Meredith, David Meredith Cardona passed from this world on April 10, 2024. He was surrounded by the warmth of friends and family during his final days at Haw Branch, his Amelia County home.

Born December 20th, 1951, to Leslie Lee Cardona and Elfie Lee Meredith in Raleigh, North Carolina, David spent much of his youth growing up in Amelia and Washington DC where his mother worked for the Polish Embassy and toured the world as a professional soprano. David's artistic abilities were noted early in his life by President Lyndon Johnson and his talents took him to study at American University where he pursued undergraduate and graduate studies in art. In 1975, David moved to Amelia County and set up a shop as a maker of fine furniture. Producing custom furniture and historic replicas for the Biggs Furniture Company, David's craftsmanship was unmatched and his reputation for high-end furniture was well known.

David also worked as a real estate appraiser in the Farmville area and was known for the accuracy and completeness of his appraisals. In 1993 he married a lifelong friend, Sally McConnaughey. The two had known each other since having played softball together in grade school. In 2002 they moved to Haw Branch, Sally's ancestral home. David and Sally worked tirelessly to keep the place in the finest order. They gave frequent tours of the home and hosted events for preservation-oriented organizations. At Haw Branch, David's love for painting was renewed and his studies of sunsets and pastoral scenes grace the walls of many houses today.

Those who knew David understood that his talent was only exceeded by his care and consideration for others. From woodwork, to painting, to the care of those in need, his hands and heart were a gift to many. His warmth and ability will be missed by our community.

David was preceded in death by his wife Sally P. McConnaughey (2006), his mother Lee Meredith (2016), his mother-in-law Gibson Jefferson McConnaughey (2009) and father-in-law W. Cary McConnaughey (2002). He is survived by his brothers-in-law Jefferson McConnaughey (Kate) of Columbus, Ohio, and Joseph McConnaughey (Thomas Paquette) of Highlands, North Carolina.

A private service will be held in his honor and donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Southside SPCA.