David's Obituary
David Wayne Barlow, 78, of Lenoir passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
David was born on May 31, 1945 in Caldwell County to the late Boyd “Bud” C. Barlow and Thelma Smith Barlow.
Lenoir lost a treasure with the passing of its former Mayor, David Barlow. The community will have a void, as well as all those whose lives he touched. He was a true champion for his community. David grew up on the edge of downtown Lenoir, on Ridge Street. He loved his hometown and was involved in numerous ways to improve it and make life better for its citizens. He served two terms on the Lenoir City Council prior to being elected Mayor. During his term as Mayor, Lenoir was awarded the honor of being named an “All-America City”. Another proud accomplishment for Mayor Barlow was the instrumental role he played in facilitating the recruitment of Google to the city of Lenoir, really placing Lenoir on the map.
In addition to the roles he played in his service to the City, he also served in several civic organizations, such as the Lenoir Rotary Club. He served as a board member for Blue Ridge Electric as well.
David was a graduate of Lenoir High School, where he was an outstanding member of the football team. Upon graduating he worked several jobs to pay his way through Lenoir Rhyne College, earning a Business Degree. In addition to his role in helping form Lenoir into what it is today, David owned his own real estate firm, Barlow & Triplett Realty, Inc., which is one of the longest standing firms in the area.
David recruited many new people to this area. With the love and pride he had for his home town and county, it certainly wasn’t hard for him to “sell” this area to potential newcomers. He was extremely dedicated to his clients and made numerous lifelong friends throughout his forty-six-year real estate career. One of his mottos was “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”. And he certainly loved what he did. He served as past president for the local Board of Realtors and was considered an icon in the local real estate industry and was highly respected by his peers.
The outreach to the family from the community has been amazing. They have received so many messages making it obvious how many lives he touched throughout his lifetime. One common theme is how he always took the time to get to know people and had a way of making them feel special. Helping others was truly David’s passion and he never met a stranger. His main concern was for the happiness and well-being of others, especially his family and friends.
David fiercely loved his family, friends, church, and community. He particularly adored his grandchildren and was always their biggest fan and loudest cheerleader. He was a mentor and friend to all. His love for people and life was infectious. He was often the life of the party and wanted to help others around him share his zest for life.
His friends and family describe him as being “larger than life. “A hard-nosed businessman with a heart of gold”. “An incredibly strong man, with a weak spot for his friends and family”. “A true and loyal friend, willing to do anything for his friends”. “An incredibly generous man”. He is leaving some big shoes to fill. His service to the community, sense of humor and contagious smile will surely be missed. He had a tremendous impact on this community and so many people. He is certainly leaving behind a legacy for his family to be proud of.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Roy Barlow.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Theresa Roberts Barlow; daughter, Elizabeth Barlow Gray (Keith); son, Buddy James Barlow (Cathy); grandchildren, Caleb Gray, Chase Barlow Gray, Alison Barlow, and Faith Barlow; and sister, Cathy Barlow Gragg (Tony).
A Memorial Service for David will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Lenoir with Pastor Josh Hughes and Pastor David Smith officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Lenoir at 304 N Main St, Lenoir, NC, 28645.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com
Greer-McElveen Funeral Home is assisting the Barlow family.
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