David Maldonado

David Joseph Maldonado, Sr. passed away Friday, May 17, 2013, after a two year battle with gastric cancer. David, a devout Christian, loved God with all his heart. Closely following was his love for his family. He and his Shirl Ann were high school sweethearts having met in Panama 42 years ago; they were married for 38 wonderful years. Together with God they had an ongoing love story that grew as time went on. A son, Joe, was born in 1977, and he came up not only knowing the love of David as his father, but also as a friend. David felt blessed and privileged to have such a son; he and Joe worked side-by-side as carpenters and together later running Maldonado Construction, Inc. In 2001 David became the father-in-law to Brandy. She was the "daughter" he grew to love as if she were his own. Everyone that knew David also knew that he had a special place in his heart for his beautiful 7 year old grandson, Joey Alexander. Joey was Grandpa's buddy and whatever Grandpa was doing you could be assured that Joey was right in the thick of things. You knew that when you heard Grandpa say, "Let's go boy!" that he was trying to get Joey out of some kind of a trick. There is no telling what kind of mischief the two of them would get into.

David never questioned "why me?" The day he was diagnosed with cancer, he told his family that God was to be praised and glorified throughout his journey. David was a living testimony of God's love and served as an example to others leading them to know and have their own personal relationship with Jesus.

David was a member of Southview Baptist Church where he served on the Building and Grounds and the First Impressions Ministry. He was a member of the Catch the Vision Journey Group.

Left behind until they are reunited in heaven are his loving wife, Shirley; his most beloved son, David Joseph (Joe) Maldonado, Jr.; precious daughter-in-law, Brandy and his most treasured grandson, Joey Alexander. In addition, he is survived by his mother-in-law, LaVerne MacLean of the home; sisters, Lillian Guajardo and Deborah Crook; brothers, Ronald and Richard Crook all of California; brothers-in-law , James D. (Bubba) Maxey, with whom he worked daily and Larry Maxey, as well as several nieces and nephews.

David's family extend their gratitude to the many health care providers at Duke University Hospital, and the nurses of Cape Fear Valley Hospice, June, Reva and Jackie who provided loving care during his final days.

Dr. Brian Kinlaw, the Deacon Body and the entire Southview Baptist Church Family have supported and loved David and his family throughout their time of need.

May God bless each one abundantly-God knew.