FRANKLIN – David Lewis Mashburn, 94, of Franklin, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 16, 2020 surrounded by his wife, daughters, and son-in-law.
Born in Macon County, NC, he was the son of the late Grady and Jane Henry Mashburn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters Gertrude Mashburn, Mildred Vaughn, and Nina Woods, three brothers Howard, Furman, and Bruce Mashburn, five in-laws (Homer Woods, Clyde Vaughn, Frances Mashburn, Gordon Underwood, Zane Woods) and numerous friends and family.
David worked hard, lived long, loved well, and will be greatly missed. He was a World War II veteran and went to Clarksville Trade School on the GI bill to become an automotive mechanic. He co-owned and operated a garage and gas station at the intersection of the Highlands and Ellijay Roads. After selling the business, he went to work for Burrell Motor Company at the top of town hill. A few years later, he moved down the street to Conley Motor Company and worked there for just over 30 years before retiring. In his spare time, he was a farmer, carpenter, electrician, barber, and reluctant plumber. He was a faithful follower of Christ and a member of Ellijay Bible Baptist Church. He sang beautiful bass in the choir and served as a deacon and Sunday School superintendent.
“He was a good man” is what you will hear if you mention his name…kind, sacrificing, loving, a faithful friend. He would say, “I’m a sinner saved by grace.” He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grand & great-grandfather, friend, and neighbor whose actions spoke louder than his words.
David is survived by his wife of 61 ½ years – Grace Aileen Monteith Mashburn, daughters Gail Mashburn and Judy Haney, “favorite” son-in-law Kevin, granddaughters Shaley Holmes (Cameron) and Savannah Haney (Chiah), and great-grandchildren Ty and Caroline Holmes. He is also survived by sisters Rosa Woods and Alice Underwood, a brother Dayton Mashburn (Rose Ann), sisters-in-law Louise Ledford (Clinton) and Barbara Mashburn and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Due to the COVID restrictions, a private funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church Swannanoa on Wednesday, May 20 at 11 a.m. The service will be live streamed at http://www.fbcswan.org/ or on the fbcswan Facebook page.
Following the service, he will be returned to Bryant-Grant Funeral Home in Franklin, and those who wish to pay their respects during business hours may do so. The family will receive friends at Bryant-Grant on Thursday, May 21 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Graveside services open to all and burial will be at 3 p.m. at Ellijay Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with the Reverend Steve Reeves officiating. Pallbearers will be Bruce and Eddie Ledford, Cameron Holmes, Lloyd Mashburn, Calvin Conley, and Gary and Tim McMahan. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews, cousins, and the many men David influenced in his time here on earth.
The family would like to offer special thanks to Domonique, Denise, Sherry and Jay with CarePartners Hospice who made it possible to care for him at home this past year.
Memorial gifts may be made to: Blue Ridge Honor Flight, 423 N King Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or Ellijay Bible Baptist Church, c/o Adolph Conley, 20 Lydia Lane, Franklin, NC 28734.
Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. The family asks that funeral participants be mindful of the need for COVID precautions.