David Stuart Withe went home to be with the Lord on January 6, 2023.
Dave was born March 23, 1948 in South Portland, Maine. He was raised in Holliston, Massachusetts. His married life was spent in Haverhill, Newbury and most recently Merrimac, Massachusetts. He was a winter resident in Leesburg, Florida .
In 1971, Dave married his wife, Eleanor (Chaplik) and they celebrated their 51st year of marriage in August of 2022. They have one son: Joshua Withe (Crystal Chappell) of Haverhill, Massachusetts; and one daughter: Hannah Marshall (Michael) of Lake Placid, New York. Dave and Ellie also have eight grandchildren: Noah, Levi, Silas, and Miriam Marshall; and Abigail, Nicolas, Joanna, and Coral Withe; whom he loved very much.
David was predeceased by his parents Raymond and Marjorie (Barstow) Withe and one sister Sharon.
Dave graduated from Holliston High School in 1966. He received a Bachelors degree in Philosophy and Religion from Northeastern University in 1973, and an Associates degree in electromechanical engineering from Merrimack College in 1987.
As a career, Dave was a quality assurance engineer in several different technical manufacturing industries. After retiring from industry, Dave drove a school bus for the Triton Regional School District for 7 years . During a part of his life, Dave was also a bi-vocational pastor and served many roles in small independent churches .
Jesus was the focal point of his life. Dave attended First Baptist Church Leesburg during the winter and spring. He was devoted to the men’s prayer group and his Sunday school class. Back in Massachusetts he attended both The Rock Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church where his son is the pastor. Dave’s personal testimony is that God spoke very plainly to him since childhood. Dave met Jesus and was saved in January, 1971. The Lord and the Bible continued to speak plainly and guide him for the rest of his life.
Dave was a voracious reader who always had information and opinions on every topic. He loved to talk and contributed to every discussion possible . In the past, he spent much time outdoors. He biked and went for long walks. In the winter he did cross country skiing and in the summer enjoyed surf kayaking. Due to physical limitations, he switched to flat water kayaking using a special light weight kayak designed and built by his son. He used an electric bike that was a surprise gift from the family that enabled him to participate in outings with his children and grandchildren. After his retirement, Dave spent much of his time writing. Initially he worked on fiction, but he moved on to writing and posting devotions .
Dave will be missed, but we expect to see him in heaven .
Instead of flowers, please make any gifts to the Christian Care Center at First Baptist Church, 115 N. 13th St., Leesburg, FL 34748 or at https://www.christiancarecenter.org/give
A memorial service is planned at First Baptist Church Leesburg Florida South Campus in the choir room on Wednesday January 18th, 2023 at 9:30AM.
