David C. Priest

Dr. David C. Priest, age 90, of Asheville, NC passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at home. He was the husband to Janice (Pipes) Priest for more than 63 years.

David was born in Davenport, Iowa and spent his later childhood in Illinois. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and later served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War . He went on to earn his Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was an avid Tarheel fan. His career as a Chemist was dedicated to the advancement of polyurethane polymer foam of which he holds dozens of patents spanning his 36 year career with Union Carbide, Reeves Brothers, and Carpenter Chemical Company. After retiring, he and Janice moved to Asheville, NC where David was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

David and Janice traveled the globe during their 63 years together and have hosted an annual family beach trip to Ocean Isle, NC for the past 25 years. He was an avid reader, US history scholar, and enjoyed his vegetable garden. He found great enjoyment in observing the natural world around him, in tune with even the simplest cycles in nature. David’s pride was his grandchildren whom he shared his passion for learning and was always there to celebrate their achievements or offer encouragement during life’s valleys.    

 He was the loving father to his children, Beth (Rick) Dudley of Ruther Glen, VA; Bill (Debbie) Priest of Plano, TX; and Mark Priest of Floyd, VA. Proud grandfather to Stephanie (Phillip) West of Asheville, NC; Ellis Dudley of Falls Church, VA; Abbie (Tyler) Hutchins of Charlottesville, VA; Katie Priest of Floyd, VA; Ashley Priest of Plano, TX; and Ryan Priest of Plano, TX. Great-grandfather to Henry West of Asheville, NC.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 11am on Saturday, October 2nd at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church located at 219 Chunns Cove Road, Asheville, NC 28805. The family will gather in the church, others will gather in Hamilton Hall adjacent to the church (viewing the service via Zoom). A luncheon is to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Luke’s or Asheville Meals on Wheels.

There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning.

-Louis L’Amour  

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