David John McClain

 Compassionate and thoughtful, David John McClain died at home with his family on June 6, 2021. He was 65. Having grown up in Statesville, NC, David met his future wife, Sheri, in college and married her just before starting medical school in 1978. Their loving and happy marriage lasted for 43 years, until his death. He was the best of fathers to his three children, playing silly games and reading to them when they were small and holding long discussions with them about medicine, history, literature, and theology when they were older. Having graduated from medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill and become an infectious-disease doctor, he left a career in vaccine research in 1997, moving to Asheville to join an infectious-disease practice. He made this move, he said, because “it’s very rewarding to help a sick person get better.” He loved his patients and colleagues and continued to care for patients as long as he was physically able. He served for years as an elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he also taught theology to the middle-school communicants until complications of thyroid cancer took away his ability to speak at length. He was known everywhere for his gentleness and kindness, and in situations of conflict he often served as a peacemaker. In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his sister, Katherine Benbow (John), and his brother James Dick (Cathy); his children, Angela Heetderks (David), Paul McClain (Madeline), and Laura McClain (Bryan Biba); and eight grandchildren. A memorial service, at which all are welcome, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 13 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 17 Shawnee Trail, Asheville, NC 28805 and be livestreamed on the church’s website. The family will greet visitors at an outdoor reception following the service. The church follows the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines.

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