David Spaugh, Jr.

Mr. David Spaugh, Jr., 73, departed this earthly existence on Wednesday December 3, 2025.  Funeral service at 11:00 AM Monday December 15, 2025 at the C.A. Haywood, Sr, Memorial Chapel preceded by a 10:30 AM visitation.  Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens.

David Spaugh, Jr. was born on June 1, 1952, in East Orange, New Jersey, and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was a proud graduate of Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia.

David lived in Hampton, Virginia, and Monterey, California, where his children were born, before settling down in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He built a meaningful and dedicated career as a supervisor at the Cummins Engine Plant in Whitakers, NC, where he was known for his strong work ethic, steady leadership, and commitment to his team.

David was a twin, and he and his sister, Denise, shared a unique and enduring bond filled with gentle rivalry, deep understanding, and a brother andsister connection only they could truly appreciate.

David was married to his sweetheart of 46 years, Leola, whom he first met at a Teenage Frolics event at Chavis Park in Raleigh. Their marriage was marked by deep devotion, the pride of raising their children together, and an understanding of one another that only time could shape, creating an enduring partnership grounded in love and shared purpose.

A loyal supporter of the Carolina Tar Heels, David was seldom seen without his UNC Chapel Hill gear. His pride grew even stronger when his daughter, Tori, became a Carolina student. He embraced every opportunity to support her, spending time on campus and celebrating the spirit of the university he loved. His steady encouragement and unwavering presence were instrumental in her success.

David served his country in the United States Army, a commitment to service that inspired his son, Garrett, to pursue his own military path in the United States Navy. The two shared a cross-country road trip from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to San Diego, California, a father son adventure the family fondly remembers and a beautiful memory the two shared.

A lifelong sports and fitness enthusiast, David found joy in running, biking, and swimming. It was at Raleigh's Chavis Park that he first discovered his enduring love of swimming, an activity that remained central throughout his life. His children recall him biking from Rocky Mount to Raleigh and proudly completing the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in 2015.

One of David's greatest joys arrived with the birth of his grandson, Ayden. Determined that he learn both the importance and confidence of swimming, David joined him in the pool during his early swim classes, continuing a cherished family legacy.

David also loved technology, driving, and spending time with his family. He always loved spirited debate with anyone who held a differing viewpoint, always ready for lively and thoughtful conversation.

Even as he faced a progressive illness, David's wife, children, and grandchild continued to travel with him, making memories on family vacations to San Diego, California; National Harbor, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Richmond, Virginia; Savannah, Georgia; Williamsburg, Virginia; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Charlotte, North Carolina. The Spaugh family embodied remarkable resilience, never viewing David's condition as a hardship, but rather as an adjustment along the path of a beautiful journey they walked together.

David is survived by his loving wife, Leola W. Spaugh; his daughter, Tori Spaugh; his son, Garrett Spaugh; his beloved grandson, Ayden Spaugh Darensburg; his twin sister, Denise Spaugh; and his cousin, Schuyler Spaugh Gary, along with other cherished cousins.

He was preceded in death by his cherished parents, David Spaugh, Sr., and Leolia G. Spaugh. 

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to Raleigh Parks in support of youth swim lessons and scholarship programs.  Contributions may be made in one of the following ways:

Online: Visit www.raleighnc.gov/reclink....sign in or create an account, then select "Donations", chose "Play It Forward Raleigh Donations"

By mail: Remit check to:

City of Raleigh/Financial Assistance - 6107

P.O. Box 590

Raleigh, NC 27602

Please indicate "In Honor of David Spaugh" in the online prompt or on the memo line of the check.

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https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/celebration-of-life-for-david-spaugh-jr

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