David Bryant Garner

David Bryant Garner, age 71, of Seagrove, NC, surrounded by family, moved to heaven on February 22nd, 2023. David was born on August 05, 1951, and was 1970 graduate of Asheboro High School. He attended UNC Wilmington for Ceramic Arts, while working as an intern to gain experience in the skill and art of production pottery. He also studied and graduated from Montgomery Community College with an AA Ceramics.

David was a potter through and through for over 45 years, a talented craftsman and considered a master of his craft when it came to traditional and contemporary pottery. After apprenticing for a few notable and well-established Seagrove potters, such as Ben Owen Pottery, he went on to become founder/owner of Turn and Burn Pottery in Seagrove, NC, established since 1985. With numerous awards and blue ribbons, David was voted master craftsman of the year at the NC State Fair- Village of Yesteryear. David was happy to volunteer his time to teach children how to turn pottery, and was often seen showing a child how to do something with a piece of clay. David’s knowledge of pottery was sought after as he judged a number of ceramic arts-focused competitions in the southeastern region of the US. David’s work is still enjoyed and can be found in museums, shops, and home all around the world.

David was a productive and active citizen of his community, endeavoring to share about God’s goodness with whomever he met. David was an active member of the Seagrove Area Potter’s Association and was known for his ability to appraise older pieces of NC hand-crafted, traditional, and utilitarian pottery. David served as the mayor of Seagrove for three terms before stepping down, assuming a seat on the town council, and focusing on his passion for ministerial and pastoral work. He was on the board of directors of the Village of Yesteryear, and a part of the Community Resource Committee at Southern Correctional Institution in Troy. David served as area director of the ICFM, International Convention of Faith Ministries. David was the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries, a prison ministry, with his wife, Deborah, starting in 1989-2021. Finally, he was a loving, caring, and supportive pastor, of Victory Church in Asheboro, NC, along with his wife, Pastor Deborah, since 2009.

David was a loving and devoted husband to Deborah his wife, a supportive and loving father, grand, and great grandfather to Jeffrey and (Tina) and Robert McDowell sons. Also Scott son in Raleigh. Dylan (Noel), Cassie, and Daisey McDowell-Grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild, Julian. Tina, his daughter-in-law, was just like his own daughter, whom he fondly referred to as his “Best daughter”. David was preceded in death by father Lloyd Garner, Mother Lucy Garner, and brother Bobby Garner. He is survived by his sister Sue Garner Vuncannon, and her husband Randy, brother Joe and Paula Garner, Cousin Mitchell and Joyce Thompson, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

David was an avid reader and had amassed thousands of books read over the years. David was a patient and quiet man with a bigger heart than most were aware. He was so loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 2:00-3:30 pm at Victory Church, 1087 McDowell Road in Asheboro.  Funeral services will follow on Sunday at 4:00 pm at the church with Pastors Janice Glover and Steve Ludolf officiating.  Interment will be held on Monday, February 27 at 12 noon at New Hope Memorial Gardens.  

Memorials may be made to Victory Church, P.O. Box 697, Asheboro, NC 27205.

Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the Garner family.  Please share remembrances and condolences at www.pughfuneralhome.com