WILMINGTON — David Duane Grasse, a devoted husband and father, cherished grandfather, and friend and proud resident of North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 14 at the age of 82.
Born on June 21, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah, David grew up in Star Valley, Wyoming, the second of three children of James and Marybelle Grasse, where he graduated from Star Valley High School. He grew up as an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and at age 19 he served a two-year mission in the Eastern Atlantic States mission. He was married and eternally sealed to Shelby Virginia Lee and faithfully served in many positions in the Church.
David was known by many of his family and friends by his nickname, “Duff”. He loved living in North Carolina and said that he “was a westerner by birth, but a southerner by choice.” He worked for many years as a truck driver.
David and Shelby raised five children and helped instill a love of family among all of them. He is survived by his brother, John (and Brenda) Grasse in Evanston, Wyoming; his children: Duane (and Mona) Grasse in Eugene, Oregon, Danny (and Suzi) Grasse in Cary, Charlie Grasse in Columbia, South Carolina, Chandra Wells in Wilmington, and Mary-Helen (and Marcus) Webb in Wilmington; 18 grandchildren, and 3 (so far!) great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Marybelle Grasse, and his sister, Donna Chapman.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 514 S College Road in Wilmington, starting at 11:30am on Saturday, August 22. Doors will open for mourners to meet the family at 10:30am in the Relief Society room.
