David James Taylor

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Through his hands, practical labor became lasting craft, and the pieces he created remain admired today.

David James Taylor, known to many as "Pete", was born on January 19, 1957, in Newport News, Virginia, and died on November 3, 2026, at his home. He leaves behind the memory of a man who found meaning in skilled work, simple pleasures, fellowship, and the enduring beauty of the world around him.

David graduated from Tar Heel High School, where he loved socializing and was known for making friends easily, especially with the ladies, with a smooth and easy charm that stayed with him through the years. In his working life, he spent time in several fields, but carpentry and woodwork became his truest calling. Through his hands, practical labor became lasting craft, and the pieces he created remain admired today.

He enjoyed the quiet of country life and the peace that came with it. Fishing was one of his favorite ways to pass the time, especially with his friends, including Jerry Martin, his Uncle “Bud", Albert Jones, and Blake Cousin. Those hours outdoors gave him space to enjoy nature and reflect on the beaujty of God’s creation, often accompanied by refreshing times and easy companionship. He had a deep love of history, especially the Civil War, and was known as a devoted enthusiast who enjoyed participating with reenactment groups. His appreciation for the past also showed in his fondness for antique weapons, both rifles and knives, and in truth, almost anything antique caught his interest.

Pete also had a special affection for classic El Caminos, spending countless hours restoring them and bringing them back to their former glory. He enjoyed attending cruise-ins and car shows whenever he could, sharing that enthusiasm with others who appreciated the craftsmanship and character of vintage cars. In his later years, he found particular joy as a member of Bladen Bible Fellowship. He valued the preaching, the fellowship, and the opportunity to invite others toward true change and faith in the Lord.

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Pete also had a special affection for classic El Caminos, spending countless hours restoring them and bringing them back to their former glory.

He is survived by his sisters, Kathern Barefoot, Anita Decker, and Regina English; his brother, Allen Haidegger; his nephew, Steve McDuffie; and his niece, Miranda Wilson. He is also remembered with love by his great-nephews, Travis Livingston, Jonathan Adams, and Emery Adams. Also cherishing his memory are his Uncle Wade Lee Brisson, known affectionately as “Bud,” and his beloved furbaby, Petey. Together, they carry forward the stories, laughter, faith, and familiar moments that made "Pete" so distinctly himself.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stacy Williamson, and his mother, Myrtle Grace Dowless. He was also preceded in death by Herbert and Maggie Taylor, who raised him as their own and were an important part of his life and foundation.

A graveside service will be held on November 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Patriots Point Cemetery, 117 Taylors Rd, Bladenboro, North Carolina 28320.

David will be remembered for the life he built with his own hands, the history he treasured, the roads he traveled in beloved classic cars, the waters he fished with friends, and the faith that steadied him in later years. May his memory bring comfort and peace to all who knew and loved him.