John David Stubbs

Birth Date: 05/06/1945
Deceased Date: 02/25/2025

John David Stubbs passed away peacefully at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield on Tuesday, February 25. Born on May 6, 1945, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, David was the son of a Methodist minister, a role that shaped his deep sense of compassion and his gift for connecting with people. He grew up in Gastonia, graduating from Ashley High School before attending Wofford and SMU, where he played collegiate baseball. Though he briefly considered following his father’s path by attending Duke Divinity, he ultimately earned his degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1969. His time in Chapel Hill left a lasting mark, fostering a lifelong love for the university and an enduring bond with his Chi Psi fraternity brothers.

After college, David met the love of his life, Margie, in Winston-Salem. His heart for service led him to lead Head Start in Forsyth County, where he worked to improve the lives of underprivileged children, a passion he carried into supporting Margie’s work as an educator in Granville County and Chapel Hill. When Margie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the couple moved to Smithfield to be closer to family. David then transitioned into a dedicated father of two adopted children, Molly and John, and a successful career as a stockbroker, first with Carolina Securities and J.C. Bradford in Smithfield, before spending nearly two decades with Legg Mason in Raleigh. David’s commitment to family, friends, and community was evident in every aspect of his life. As President of the Rotary Club of Smithfield, he led with a spirit of service, always seeking ways to uplift those around him. A devoted member of Centenary United Methodist Church, he lived his faith through quiet acts of kindness and unwavering support for others.

He will be remembered for his steady generosity, his warmth that put others at ease, and his deep devotion to those he loved—none more so than his wife of 48 years, two children and granddaughter, Addie, who remained at the heart of all he did. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret Ann Lee Stubbs, as well as his parents, Mary Frances Thrower and David Leon Stubbs Jr. He is survived by his children, John David Stubbs Jr. (Brad) of Washington, D.C., and Mary Elizabeth Stubbs of Smithfield; his granddaughter, Margaret Adele Embler of Raleigh; his brothers, Robert Dale Stubbs (Cathy) of Clayton and Daniel James Stubbs (Cindy) of Hendersonville; and his in-laws, Mary Nell Ferguson (Jerry) of Smithfield and Denton F. Lee Jr. (Jane) of Cleveland, N.C. David’s empathy, humor and generosity of spirit will live on in the many lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate David’s life on Thursday, March 6 at 11:00 AM at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield, with a visitation after the service beginning at 12:00 noon in Wesley Hall. Memorial contributions can be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 140 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC or the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, P.O. Box 14608, Greensboro, NC.