David "Dave" William Carter

Dave, 68, born May 1, 1956 passed July 30, 2024 in his Orange Hills home, with his wife and children by his side. Born in Inglewood, he was still young when he moved to his childhood home in Garden Grove. Dave grew up in a close knit family with his parents – Harry and Barbara, and three siblings – Kathy, Steve, and Susie. He treasured the time he spent with his family and extended family including his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Above all else, Dave was a family man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. It was his family that put the biggest smile on his face; which included his wife, Cindy, and his three children, Harry, Shelby and Kyle, daughter-in-law, Ryan, and grandson, Axel. Dave and Cindy spent 42 wonderful and cherished years together, creating and building a beautiful life.

Dave graduated from Garden Grove High School, where he played football, excelled in auto shop, and made lifelong friends. He also never shied away from a little mischief. He turned his love of cars into a career when he opened his auto repair shop, DSH, with his dad and brother. He later left the automotive industry in favor of learning the locksmith trade, where he flourished for several decades.

He was a fun-loving person who was always known to have a good time. He never met a stranger; he easily became friends with most everyone he met. His favorite pastimes included spending time at the family cabin in Big Bear, camping, boating, fishing, road trips, concocting creations in the kitchen (most were edible), grilling and barbecuing. He loved tinkering in the garage, rebuilding engines, and fixing just about anything that needed fixing. He was a true race enthusiast and loved racing of all types both as a crewman and as a spectator. If it had a motor, it got his attention. He loved telling stories, some of which we’d call tall tales, but they were always entertaining. Dave was a friend and mentor to many throughout his life. He demonstrated love, honesty, loyalty, and integrity.

Dave is preceded in death by his father, Harry, and his sister, Susie. He is survived by his mother Barbara; wife Cindy; their children Harry, Shelby and Kyle (daughter-in-law Ryan); their grandson Axel; his sister Kathy (Joe), his brother Steve, brother-in-law Skip (Lisa); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Waverly Chapel in Fairhaven Memorial Park on Saturday August 17th at 10am. Reception to follow at Kyle and Ryan’s home in Orange.