WILMINGTON — Harold “David” Roderick, 80, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on November 29, 2023 in his home. He was surrounded by his family and wrapped in prayer as he entered the gates of Heaven.
David was born in Wilmington on April 20, 1943 to James Edward Roderick, Sr. and Gwendolyn Motte Howle. He met the love of his life, Connie, in 1963 at Lake Forest Baptist Church and the two were married just two short years later on June 13, 1965. They couldn’t wait to start a family of their own and their children, Whitnee, Jamie, Colbey and Shelbey were their pride and joy. David was the owner and operator of Roderick Machine and Welding Company in Wilmington for over 50 years, and he loved working to provide for his family. Though he loved working at the shop with his brother Jimmy and taking cruises with his wife and friends, his favorite activity was gathering with his family, especially his nine grandchildren. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Papa, never failing to spend quality time with each one.
He even journeyed all the way to Eastern Africa to spend time with his daughter, Whitnee and her family while they served on the mission field. David also had a soft spot for the family dogs, Abby and Gabe. David was a founding member of Freedom Baptist Church and spent his later years as an active member of Scott’s Hill Baptist Church serving as a deacon. He was a humble and generous man, and truly a friend to all. Although he was a man of few words, when he spoke you knew it was either really important or really funny. He wanted others to know he cared about them and that Jesus loved them, always boldly asking, “do you know Jesus?” We couldn’t have asked for a better leader, husband, dad, and papa and we will miss him until we are reunited in Heaven one day.
David was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Connie, children, Whitnee (Dodd), Jamie (Beth), Colbey and Shelbey (Josh), his brother, Jimmy (Evelena), sister, Martha (Roger), and his sister-in-law Carol Holley, as well as his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank all of the people who cared for David over the last few years: Dee Thomas, and Julie Beck were his very loving and loyal care givers. Also, many family members including Colbey Rommell, Wayne Holley and Whitnee and Dodd Mays consistently stepped up to help. Connie never lacked someone to help if she needed it.
Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2023 followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m., both at Scott’s Hill Baptist Church.
A graveside service for the family and friends will be held on Monday, December 4. 2023 at noon at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Equipping With Truth Ministries.
In the meantime, we invite you to express your condolences and share your cherished memories here.
