David Rogers “R.C. Dave” Pauley, born on August 16, 1940 in South Charleston, entered into the arms of the Lord on Friday, May 11, 2018 at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston after a long illness.
He was a member of the Southridge Freewill Baptist Church.
He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him. For 37 years, he was a driver for RC Bottling and a proud member of the Teamsters. He worked with his family on their dairy farm while growing up, often reminiscing about family and friends who came to visit. Many colorful stories and tall tales have been spun from these escapades, especially while sitting on his front porch and entertaining. David was an enthusiastic gardener who grew enough tomatoes for the whole neighborhood. He was also an avid outdoorsman and a WVU football fan, never missing a game on Saturdays.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Minnie Madora Eskins Pauley; sister, Ada Mae Greene; brother and sister-in-law, Paul R. and Grace Pauley; and sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Johnny Holstein.
He is survived by his loving spouse of 47 years, Barbara Ann (Shafer); daughter, Linda Gayle and son-in-law, Rusty Massey of Big Chimney; brothers, Jim (Betty Jo) and Bill (Karen); sisters, Diane (Ronnie) Cox and Lena Greene; brother-in-law, Earl Greene; close friends, Al and Shelley Newman and James MacCallister; and hunting pal, Bob Oxley all of South Charleston; granddaughters, Kristen Nicole, Kayla Marie and Sydney Marie Massey; adopted grandchildren, Lisa, Steve and Kaleb Dedrick and Cody Steed all of North Carolina, and Brittany Rule of Poca; and buddies, Yeller the Cat and Hoppy the Crow. David also had a host of family and friends, all of which he was very fond.
The family would like to thank everyone that came to be with David during his final days and to also thank the staff on 3S at CAMC Memorial, as well as, the staff of Hubbard Hospice House for the wonderful care and compassion that was shown to David and our family.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the Southridge Freewill Baptist Church, 814 Ruthdale Road, Charleston with close friends, Reverend Dean Chambers and Pastor David Cooper officiating. His place of burial will be Graceland Memorial Park in South Charleston.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2018 at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hubbard Hospice House, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25387.
He was the best neighbor anyone could ever hope to have. He was wonderful and I will miss him.
Barb and Gayle,
We may have not been able to be physically there, but kept David in our prayers. He was always so nice to me. I’ve always, always remembered that about him and will continue to think of him as one of the nicest people I ever met. We will be praying for the two of you, and thinking of you especially tomorrow.
I was truly saddened to hear of David’s passing. One of the kindest men I ever knew. My dad, L.H. Massey and David worked together at RC for many years. I’ll always remember the times that Dad and I went hunting out at David’s mom and dads house. Some of the most wonderful people in the world. They always opened their home to us as if we were part of the family. Memories I’ll carry with me forever. May God bless you all during you difficult times.
Barry, it is so good to hear from you. Thank you you for your memories of David. He always thought highly of your mom and dad. Your dad got David and me together all those years ago. He gave David my telephone number. Thank you and God bless you. Barb
May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, my most heartfelt condolences for the loss of David.
I also want to share a beautiful scripture that gives us much hope and personal comfort. Acts 24:15 “And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” Imagine that day when all our loved ones are brought back to life through a resurrection and we can embrace them again. How we long for that truly special day so close at hand.