Obituary of David Laury Sr.

Our beloved, David Laury Sr., 85 was born in Buckingham County, Virginia on August 19, 1938 to the late Wilbert and Mamie (Morgan) Laury. The Lord called him home on Saturday, August 10, 2024 in West Orange, NJ. He was a fraternal twin and the fifth of nine children.

David was educated in the Buckingham County Public Schools. He graduated from Carter G. Woodson in 1959. After graduation, he enlisted into the Navy Branch of the Military where he served and trained to be a Radio operator.  After coming home from the Navy, he moved to New York City, with his brother, to explore the City life.  After a few years, he settled back to his hometown in Buckingham circa 1965.  Within a year he met and married Mable Virginia Cunningham, his wife of 58 years, and soon after relocated to Orange, New Jersey.  With Mable’s four children and their three together, he went on to raise and be a Dad to a blended family of seven.

As a young child, David loved to read and go fishing, particularly creek fishing.  He was an avid reader.  It was his reading that led him to want to join the military to travel and see the world as well as serve his country. His sister Irene says growing up she remembers David off to himself reading a book.   

David was very much religious and put God first.  From his father, early in life, planting seeds of “Doing Good Deeds” coupled with his attending Union Grove Baptist Church as a young boy, sparked his relentless pursuit for the Truth of God.  After moving back South from New York, he began a religious search. He tried the Jehovah Witness, Seventh-Day Adventist and finally landed on the Worldwide Church of God, headed by Herbert W. Armstrong, an evangelical church that observed the Sabbath day on Saturday.  He was baptized in 1972 and remained a devoted member for the next 25 years until he retired and moved back home to Buckingham in 1997.

In addition to his religious life, David was skilled in Carpentry.  He worked most of his career in North Jersey and New York City contracted with the Del Turco Brothers, where he retired.  After retirement he worked a few years contracting on his own. He was happiest with a nail and hammer and always found fixing and patching up things in the home.

He was a strong proponent for education and remained active as the VP for the PTA (Parent teacher association) in his children’s elementary school.  In his Church, he was an active member in the Spokesman Club and sang in the choir.  Finally, he loved his family; he felt most happy when his children and grandchildren were around him– gathered together for special occasions and social visits.  

David will be remembered as a Servant.  He’s helped many people throughout his adult years.  Humbly and dutifully accepting requests and favors of family and friends. He provided rides, helped with house repair and miscellaneous tasks, with little to no pay.  He’d often say his reward was in the Kingdom and that was his motto until the end.

He leaves to cherish his fond and precious memories: His devoted wife Mable V. Laury; six devoted Children, Barbara J. Cunningham (Tina), Gracie E. Cunningham, Bruce D. Cunningham, Joyce D. Laury (DD), David Laury Jr., and Timothy L. Laury all of East Orange, NJ; 19 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; Brother, John Laury and Sister, Irene Laury of  Buckingham Va.; as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.