John David Covington

John David Covington, 88, passed away on May 4, 2018 in his home in Ellerbe, NC with his wife by his side. After a long hard battle, fought with courage and dignity, he has been set free.

Dave was born in Ellerbe NC on Jan 05, 1930. After high school graduation he joined the US Navy and was deployed to Guam and Japan during the Korean War. He returned to Ellerbe, married and raised three sons He spent most of his life farming the land owned by his family and assisting neighboring farmers with agricultural chores whenever there was a need. He was a farmer in heart and delighted in teaching the craft to anyone who showed interest.

He was a devout Christian, a life-time Elder at Rourk Presbyterian Church. He found great pleasure in teaching and sharing the Word of God.

After a time of disability, he was healed by the Holy Spirit of his infirmities and was employed by the NC Department of Corrections as a corrections officer at Richmond Correctional Center from 1983-1995 when he retired. He was considered a stern man, a fair man, and a man of his word.

Dave is survived by his wife, Elsie McLauchlin Covington; his sons, John Covington (James Beall) of Charlotte, NC and Neil Covington (Jean) of Raleigh, NC; two grandchildren, Julian and Annika Covington of Lewisville, NE. Also a step-daughter, Joyce Henry (Bruce) of Elk Park, NC; stepsons David Henry (Karen) of Mint Hill, NC and Roger Henry (Michelle) of Charlotte, NC; brother Neil Covington of Greensboro, NC and sister Joyce Ruff of Greensboro, NC; 10 step grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bruce Bennett Covington and Judy Caudle Covington, his son Charles Covington, his brother Bruce Covington and sister Irene Covington.

Memorial services for Dave will be held May 12, 2018 at 2:00PM at Rourk Presbyterian Church in Ellerbe, NC. Family will receive friends at the church at 1:30PM. Interment will follow the memorial service at Rourk Presbyterian Church cemetery.

Memorial contributions to Richmond County Hospice are most welcome and appreciated.