David Howard Linton

David Howard Linton went home to be in the presence of God on May 20, 2021. David was born on December 30, 1936 in New Britain, CT, to Howard and Gladys Linton. From an early age, he loved music, playing the French Horn in his high school band. He went on to Houghton College in Houghton, NY, where he majored in music. He had an amazing voice, which is one of the things that caught the attention of his future bride, Pattie. They married on August 17, 1957 and David went on to gain his Master’s in Music Education at Ithaca College.

David lived in Miami, Florida with his beloved wife, Pattie and their two children, Greg and Denise. He taught at Miami Senior High School until he retired in 1990. Besides being a great teacher, David also had skill in construction. He began working on their retirement home in the mountains of Glade Valley, NC, during the summer breaks, a project that he would spend the next 50 years perfecting. You would find him on the property digging, moving gravel, working on a new project, and driving “old blue” up until his early 80’s. Family, extended family, and friends have many fond memories of fellowship at the “mountain house”. He always hated leaving the mountains in the fall, but knew his wife hated the cold and they would head to Ft. Pierce / Brooksville FL for the winters.

It was the skill and gift of construction that David used to glorify God. From building a hospital in Bonn Fin Haiti, an eye clinic in Zimba, Zambia, and co-founding/ building Alleghany Cares in Sparta, NC, David was able to share the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ. The legacy he has left in these communities is one of compassion and love to help others.

David spent the last year as a resident of Statesville, NC with his daughter, making new friends in the community. You may have been a stranger when you met David, but you were sure to walk away as a friend. He had a way of welcoming others to join in his laugh and smile.

David is preceded in death by his wife Pattie Linton, his parents Howard and Gladys Linton, and his sister Audrey Wojack. He is survived by his son, Gregory Linton, his daughter Denise Linton, grandsons Steven Linton, Hunter Allen, Christian Linton, and his cousin Carol Delany, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. Including his very special friends, Brenda and Bill Turnmire, who became like a second daughter and son in his last year.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Linton and his family. Condolences may be sent to the family, online, at http://www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.