David Thomas Eavenson of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away at his home on March 27, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by his loved ones. A native of Haywood County, David was born on May 31, 1941, to Lester Eavenson and Margaret Sparks Eavenson and grew up on Red Bank Road in Balsam. He was a gifted craftsman and entrepreneur, a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and—in all areas of his life—found great joy in a job well done.

David married Ann Owen in 1961, and they shared 64 years of joy and laughter. Ann loved David for exactly who he was. Together they took on entrepreneurial endeavors, a passion for ballroom dancing, and a lifetime’s worth of affection, growth, and change. David, or “Pops,” as his grandchildren call him, loved sitting on the porch of the house he constructed on Lake Chatuge, watching his family enjoy the life he helped build. He liked listening to the country oldies station, humming songs by George Jones, Patsy Cline, Charlie Pride, Vince Gill, and Elvis Pressley.

David was a fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Tar Heels; he also enjoyed drinking Coke, early morning Hardee’s biscuits, Ford trucks and Thunderbirds. It was always a special day when Pops agreed to take his grandchildren and their friends for a ride in his T-Bird. His warmth, playfulness, and love of life were contagious. His good humor and famous smile will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

David is survived by his wife Ann and their two daughters, Leigh Eavenson and Debra Eavenson (Eddie), grandchildren Cameron Green (Kayla), Sarah Waddell (Scott), Jessica Herbert (Caleb), and great grandchildren Brayden, Landon, and Carson Green, and his brother Ronald Eavenson, and his sister Glenda Stokes.

A memorial service for David will be held at First Baptist Church of Waynesville on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 2:00 pm with Reverend Doctor Kenneth Lance officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 pm prior to services. A reception will follow the service at Wells Event and Reception Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or United Way of Haywood County, PO Box 1139, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of David Eavenson has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Online obituary is available at www.wellsfuneralhome.com