Mr. David Earl Cade

"Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of David Earl Cade. He passed away on February 11, 2026. Our Beloved David who was 70 when he transitioned at Genesis Health Care of Pembroke, NC brought joy, kindness and love to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends". Visitation will be Friday, February 20, 2026 from 4-6 pm at Central & Worley Mortuary of Lumberton. Services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11 am at Central & Worley Mortuary of Lumberton. Burial will follow at Cade Cemetery of Lumberton.

     David Earl Cade, 70, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at the Pembroke Genesis Healthcare Center in Pembroke, North Carolina, with his family by his side.

            David was born on April 10, 1955, in Lumberton, North Carolina. He lived a vibrant and full life until his health began to decline, and he was placed in a nursing home. Even during his illness, David maintained a positive attitude. He would often reassure his beloved sister Freda — whom he affectionately called “baby girl” — that God wasn’t ready for him yet.

      David was educated in the Robeson County public schools’ system. One of his proudest accomplishments came while he was a junior in high school, when he became a school bus driver. He was entrusted with a brand-new bus, number 122, and took tremendous pride in keeping it spotless and well cared for each day.

      After graduating, David worked for 15 years at Alamac Knitting Company as a finisher. He later spent many years working alongside Cousin James Cade in his cleaning business. When he wasn’t working, David could often be found at the city public library reading about history — he was truly a history connoisseur. He firmly believed in keeping the mind sharp and often encouraged others with one of his favorite sayings: “Go to work or go to school.”

       David enjoyed sharing laughter with family and friends, watching old Western movies, and catching a good basketball game. Though he wasn’t much of a talker, he could certainly get engrossed in a word search book. When family visited and asked if he needed anything, his answer was simple: “Bring me some Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and more word search books.” It wouldn’t have surprised anyone if he stayed up all night just to finish one.

      The family would like to extend a special thank you to cherished Cousin Dale Harris for faithfully visiting David every week.

      He was preceded in death by his parents, Christine Cade Sewell and Bobby Evans; his son, David Leon Cade; his adopted father Sammie Sewell, and brother, Sammie Lyndell Sewell.

      David is survived by his estranged wife, Patricia Cade; his son, Rodney Cade; his siblings, Percy Sewell (Trudy) of Nashville, Tennessee; Freda Thornton of Charleston, South Carolina; Donna Sewell and Carl Sewell, both of Richmond, Virginia; and Michelle Evans of Durham, North Carolina. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

      David will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of learning, his steady work ethic, and the warmth he shared with those who knew and loved him.

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