David Willis Musselwhite

(July 14, 1933 – February 10, 2025)

Son of the late John Lewis Musselwhite and Alma Willis Musselwhite of Robeson County, David, 91, was preceded in death by his wife Vashti Britt Musselwhite, and is survived by his daughters Joan M. Spyhalski of Richmond, VA and Angelia M. Talley of Check, VA, granddaughters Anna K. Spyhalski, Leslie C. Spyhalski, Laura B. Talley and Catherine L. Talley.

David lived his life to the fullest.  As a young boy he learned a strong work ethic as a newspaper delivery boy and as a teen working at Otto's Diner taking orders and busing tables.  In high school he was active in sports playing football, baseball and basketball (earning the nickname "Spider" because he was all legs and arms on the basketball court).  His love of sports continued into his middle years playing tennis and winning many trophies for his accomplishments.

David followed his father's footsteps becoming a barber, then later transitioned the barber shop into a full-service unisex salon after obtaining his associates degree in Cosmetology from Robeson Community College.  The new salon's name was called "Mur-Les", credit given to his wife as a nod to their daughter's middle names of Murphy and Leslie.  Dad and others across the years not only developed lifelong friendships with their clients, but some called David "Mur-Les" and others would say they had gotten "mur-lested" after an appointment at the shop.  David was in the hair business for a total of 73 years, retiring at age 85.

David was a lifelong member of Fairmont Baptist church where he taught Sunday School for many years to 9-year-old boys, and later led the assembly for the Older Adult Class.  His faith was central to his life, from years of visiting local residents in assisted living/skilled care facilities to being an active member of several local bible study groups.  He will be remembered for his keen wit (was never without a joke), his sense of style (well-dressed and colorful), his gift of gab (folks often thought he was a preacher) and his love of trips taken with his family.  David never knew a stranger!

His family wishes to thank Gentiva Hospice, UNC Southeastern Hospital, Elizabethtown Healthcare and Rehab and Cape Fear Valley Hospital for their care of David in these last months of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in David's name to Fairmont Baptist Church, Camp Grace or Baltimore Baptist Church.

Visitation will be Friday, February 14, 2025 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Floyd Funeral Services, Inc.1549 Marion Stage Road, Fairmont, NC.  A Memorial Service will be Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 416 S Main St., Fairmont, NC.  Burial will be private.