David Wellington Sides

David Wellington Sides passed away peacefully at his home in Iredell County on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with his daughters by his side. He was the son of the late Ralph and Eva Gray Sides. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty Moore Sides.

David is survived by his two daughters, Elizabeth Boyd Mize (Bobby) and Carol Wylie (Jim); six grandchildren, Bill Wylie (Erin), Wilson Wylie (Francesca), Matt Wylie, Sam Mize (May), Charlie Mize (Luci), and Lily Mize (Joel); and four great-grandchildren, Claire and Daniel Mize, and Anna and Jackson Wylie. He is also survived by his nephews and numerous nieces.

David grew up in the Scotts community of Iredell County and graduated from Scotts School in 1947. He went on to graduate from North Carolina State University in 1951, an accomplishment of which he was especially proud. Throughout his life, he remained a devoted and loyal Wolfpack supporter. Following college, David served his country in the United States Air Force, spending 40 months stationed at Burtonwood, England. He often fondly recalled those years as some of the most enjoyable of his life.

Upon returning home in June 1955, David rekindled his relationship with Betty Moore, and they married that December. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. David worked in the poultry and poultry feed industry, a career that frequently required him to travel. In 1967, he decided to remain closer to home and built two chicken houses in Iredell County.

David possessed a servant's heart and rarely declined an opportunity to serve his church or community. A devoted member of New Sterling ARP Church, he faithfully taught Sunday School for an extraordinary 62 years and was named an elder emeritus. His dedication to the Associate Reformed Presbyterian denomination extended far beyond his home congregation. He served as both Moderator and Vice Moderator of the Synod, was a member of the Erskine College Board of Trustees, and served on numerous boards and committees at both the Presbytery and Synod levels.

His commitment to public service was equally remarkable. Over the years, David served on the Iredell County Planning Board, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, the Iredell County Soil and Water Conservation District Board, and the Iredell County Farm Bureau Board.

In 1987, David and Betty moved to Raleigh, where he served as Director of the North Carolina Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Following his retirement, they returned to their beloved New Sterling and West Iredell community. David found great pleasure in tending his large and bountiful garden, generously sharing its harvest with others. He continued to remain active in the North Carolina Farm Bureau, state and local Soil and Water Conservation efforts, and the West Iredell Ruritan Club.

When reflecting on his life recently, David shared that he was proud of donating more than 100 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. He was also deeply grateful for his many years of service to his church and of the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who brought him so much joy. Above all, however, he considered his greatest blessing to have been the life he shared with his beloved Betty.

David leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faith, generosity, dedication, and service. His commitment to his family, church, and community will be fondly remembered.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at New Sterling ARP Church. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m., with Rev. Boone McAuley, Rev. Dr. Earl Linderman, and Rev. Dr. Robert J. Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Sterling ARP Church, 580 New Sterling Road, Stony Point, NC 28678; Bonclarken Conference Center, 500 Pine Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731; or Statesville Family YMCA, 828 Wesley Drive, Statesville, NC 28677.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. David Sides.