David Yandle

David Franklin Yandle, 89, of Elizabethtown, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at home with his daughter, Lisa and longtime friend and companion, Becky Ennis, by his side.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Clifford Yandle and Frances McKeithan Yandle, brother, Raymond Clifford Jr., and sister, Lisley Allen.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Yandle Raynor of Raleigh; son, David Franklin Yandle Jr., of Burlington; son, Timothy Gene Yandle of Fayetteville; granddaughter Berkleigh Allen and husband Richard of Elizabethtown; sister, Jean Morgan of Elizabethtown; great-grandson Lawrence Creed Allen; his friend and companion of 26 years, Becky Ennis of Oak Island, and several very special nephews and nieces.

David was born in Clarkton on June 21, 1931.  He grew up in Elizabethtown and was a life-long member of Elizabethtown Baptist Church.  He graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 1950 where he was quite the athlete, playing baseball, football, and basketball.  He attended East Carolina College and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Through the years, David was active as a Boy Scout leader, coached Little League Baseball, and also enjoyed playing and coaching in the Men’s Softball League with Elizabethtown Rec Dept.  He retired after 36 very honorable years of service with Federal Paper/International Paper Company and was blessed to enjoy 27 years of retirement.  He was an avid sportsman and fisherman and was affectionately known as “Mr. Y.”  Fellow anglers locally and from across the state sought him out for his knowledge and expertise on all things related to boating, fishing, and navigating the waters of NC, SC and VA.  David was a quiet man of many talents who was very mechanically inclined but also had a love of reading, music, gardening, and cooking.  One of the things he looked most forward to was his annual high school class reunion that he would barbecue for, or put on one of his famous “fish frys”.  Most of all, David was a wise and honorable man that loved God, his country, family and friends.  He remained positive, young at heart with a witty sense of humor, and will be missed by many!

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 2:00 pm in the Elizabethtown Cemetery. Dr. Rudy Ramphal will be officiating. All attendees are respectfully asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Liberty Hospice Services, 44 McNeill Plaza, Whiteville, NC 28472