October 29, 1955 to September 22, 2023

David Lee Lumpkin (affectionately known to the family as Dipper and to friends as “Lump”) was born in Winston-Salem, NC on October 29, 1955, to the late Martha Elizabeth Cuthrell Lumpkin and Frank William Lumpkin, Jr.  He attended Winston-Salem Public Schools and graduated from East Forsyth High School. David had many talents in the arts, he could draw, sing, and play many instruments. At the age of six, he sang “How Great Thou Art” at church and brought tears to the Disciples.  During High School, David started a band, and he played the Bass Guitar. After High School, this band became known as Electric Fudge and they played at various functions. He loved the band and music, and this brought much enjoyment to his life. However, David found his true passion and it was flying remote-controlled airplanes. He spent most of his time at Hobby Park flying his planes. He purchased, modified, and built some of his planes.  David became the master of this hobby and others looked to him as the expert.  He taught lots of fellow plane flyers the tricks of the trade.  His planes were displayed in stores and were “the standard of excellence”.  David had talent as a carpenter and could build, repair or design anything. As the world went into the computer age, David kept up with the times and learned how to use the computer and was able to build one and was the master of IT skills. 

He was a Factory worker, and his last job was at Grass America as a Machine Operator. He received many accolades and awards at work as he did his job with professionalism and skill.  He retired in October 2021. He loved retirement and enjoyed getting more rest, spending more time on his hobbies and enjoying time with his family.   

He had some health challenges throughout his life but as he aged the challenges became more severe.  The immediate family surrounded him with love during his recent hospital and home stays.  His brother Michael lived with him and provided home care. His sister Mattie was his lifeline on the telephone. All his immediate family helped make his home comfortable after his hospital stays. 

David was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Frank Lumpkin; and a sister, Mary Lorraine Lumpkin. David leaves to cherish his precious memories, his only child, Ashleigh Nicole Lumpkin Stevens (Gary) with his former wife, Lori Marshall; his brother, Michael T. Lumpkin of Winston-Salem; two sisters, Mattie L. Hardee (Vincent) of Walkertown, NC, and Frances L. Outland (David) of Beltsville, MD. He also is survived by cousins, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and many friends and associates.  The family wants to acknowledge his close friend, Johnny Owens who is an avid plane flyer and was a true friend.  

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am Friday, September 29, 2023 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.