David Eaddy Sr

David William Eaddy Sr. was born on February 7, 1932, in Johnsonville, SC to Robert and Odmae Eaddy (Cooper). He was the third of ten children. On Saturday, May 28th, he quietly slipped away without any notice to his final resting place. His loving family surrounded him.


David received his early education at the Vox County Colored School. As a teen, he'd often say that he knew it was time to "HELP DADDY" in the field. They worked from sun up to sundown, giving it their all to make sure the family had what they needed.


David began his journey from his hometown of Johnsonville, SC to Wilmington, DE as a young man. Even as an adolescent, David knew how important it was to keep family together. Whether near or far. In 1955, he came to visit his Uncle Sam and Aunt Addie McCants as he had done many times before. One morning on one of his many trips to the city, Uncle Sam said "boys, it's time to go to work". David knew what that meant and was obedient to his uncle. That is where he began working at Ludlow Co. From there, David went on to work at The Paul Viehman Esso Gas Station, today is known as Exxon. David was quite the employee and knew he wanted better so from there he returned back to school to further his education and later owned his own gas station for a short period of time. Several years later, he became employed at Chrysler Automobile Manufacturer where he worked as an assembly line worker until his retirement in 1995.


In 1956, he realized that there was something missing from his life. He needed his best friend. So he traveled to Brooklyn, NY to pick up his teenage sweetheart, Russlean Cameron, whom he'd met when they were just 16 and 14. David and Russlean were joined together in holy matrimony on December 27, 1956. Three children were born from their union; David Carroll, Arlene (daddy's girl), and David Jr. (his namesake). He would go on to be a great provider, a family man, and a Godly man. He instilled in his children very early on the importance of God, family, friendship, hard work, dedication, and perseverance. There was no doubt that David Eaddy Sr. was a loving man, a caring man, and a man after God's own heart.


In the early '60s, he began attending Ebenezer Baptist Church located on Walnut St. Several years later, in 1967, he joined under the leadership of Rev. P.B. Bynum. He would go on to serve in many capacities of the church as an Usher, Trustee, Sunday school teacher, and member of the EBC male chorus. In 1972 he became the financial secretary of the church. In 1976 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Lewis Johnson, he became a deacon where he served faithfully. He was also the groundskeeper for close to 30 years, which he took pride in. He was a faithful servant under the leadership of Pastor Gilbert Hamm Sr. for nearly the past 2 decades. He was not a man of many words, but If you wanted to get him going, just talk about the love of God. He could go on and on and on about just how good God is.


In his spare time, he loved to hunt, fish, cook, travel with his family, and watch and attend sporting events. He loved spending time at his dog pen with man's best friend-his dogs, which he had dozens of over the last 4 decades. His love for his hobbies didn't stop there. He loved to garden as well which he did for many years. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and attended many races at Dover Downs. He loved traveling back home to SC every chance he could get. Taking his wife, children, and grandchildren to visit the very land he grew up on and used to work. He loved attending the Eaddy-Bar family reunions because that meant he got to spend time with all of his family, from near and far. Anytime he knew he was traveling back home to Johnsonville, he'd be like a kid on Christmas morning. Anxious and ready to hit the road. Letting nothing or no one stand in his way, not even his own family. He was excited knowing that he was about to spend quality time with his siblings. He knew that they were going to cut up and reminisce about the good'ol days. That brought him such joy and such peace.



David was affectionately known as "Big Daddy" to his wife's daycare babies or simply "Pops", to those that knew him around the neighborhood. He was one that was always willing to lend a helping hand and to assist wherever, whenever needed. He had a love for people that went beyond just telling you. He would show you. That love increased when he became a grandfather. So much that he gave up one of his favorite hobbies- fishing, just so he could be around to spend time with his first grandchild. His love continued to grow for each and every one of his grandchildren with them affectionately calling him "pop pop" or "Papi". He loved his grandchildren and there was nothing anyone could do about it. He treated them as if they were his own children, never missing a major holiday celebration, birthday, or major milestone in their lives. He'd visit the grocery store 3-4 times a week just to make sure that there was "plenty in the house to eat". Always willing to teach a life lesson that he knew would go a long way. There was NEVER a time where you called on him and needed him and he didn't show up. His legacy will live on and his memory will be alive forever!


David is preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Russlean Eaddy, son David Carroll, his parents, brothers Norman Eaddy and Ezra Eaddy (Molly), sister Lubertha Eaddy, and grandchildren Monique Beard and Ahmir Harrigan.


David leaves to cherish his memories his two children; Arlene Eaddy Beard and David Eaddy Jr. (Sarah), and Six grandchildren; Janai Eaddy, Ciera Parker (Kurtis), Monet Wooten (Travon), Alyssa Brown (Shareef), Dominique, and Malik, 12 great-grandchildren; Maurkel, Maurice, Maurshon, Ahmira, Kira, Kevin, Kaila, Kylar, Sahmir, Ahmad, Aston, and Aria, five brothers; Samuel Robert Eaddy, Jacob (Mettie Rue), Joseph Eaddy, James Eaddy (Ethel), John Felix Eaddy (Martha), 2 sisters; Minnie Odean Knight and Queen Esther Eaddy, devoted sister in law Frances Cooper, devoted nephew; Drexel Cameron whom he was extremely proud of, life long best friend; John BT Brown, long time friends: John Drennon, John Gibbs, Ulysses Beard and Jerry Lee, Godchildren; Karin Jefferson, David A. Ware, Jr. Judy Ross, Brinkley, Teria Ross Beasley, & Kenneth Brown, Jr. And a devoted Son-in Law, Steven Beard. Previous Events


Public Viewing


JUN 3. 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET)

Ebenezer Baptist Church
2200 N. Claymont Street
Wilmington, DE 19802

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Celebration of Life


JUN 3. 11:00 AM (ET)

Ebenezer Baptist Church
2200 N. Claymont Street
Wilmington, DE 19802

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Resting Place


JUN 4. 9:30 AM (ET)

Gracelawn Memorial Park
2220 North Dupont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720

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