Denver (D.E.) Church

Denver Earl Church, Jr. (D.E.) of Zionville slipped away from his old family home-place and into the arms of Jesus on March 24, 2021, just 5 days shy of his 71st. birthday. D.E. was born in Watauga County on March 29, 1950 to the late Denver Church, Sr. and Ruby Mains Church. He was a carpenter and master wood craftsman and also farmed the family land, raising both tobacco and cattle for much of his life. D.E. loved life and was quite happy when having a meal with friends, riding motorcycles, driving fast cars, attending car shows, and winning trophies with his variety of restored classics. He also had quite an appreciation for a good hunting location, turkey shoot and a good fishing hole. A group of close friends regularly shared D.E.’s laughter and love of life on these adventures and will miss him and hold tight the memories. Left to miss D.E. are his wife of 20 years, Karen Boone Church, three daughters Erika Church, Andrea Church Morrison and husband Seth, and Brooke Church, three grandchildren, Grant Morrison, Kinsley Church, and Maddox (Max) Abrams, a very special mother-in-law Sherry Boone, and his 4-legged sidekick, Benji all of Zionville. D. E. is also survived by two sisters, Thelma Ruth Church Thomas and Rebecca Church Miller as well as two nieces, Colleen Miller and Vickie Miller and a nephew Ronnie Thomas. D. E. was predeceased by his parents, brothers-in-law, Donald Thomas and Ivey Miller, son-in-law, Michael Doss, and a nephew D.R. Thomas. D.E. was a quiet man who early on learned the wisdom of listening at least twice as much as he talked. Much due to this, he was a loyal and trusted friend to more people than could ever be listed here. He will be so missed by all. A service honoring his life will be held at Mountain City Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. on Friday March 26, 2021 with a visitation of family and friends from 1-2:00 p.m. with Preacher Derrick Wilson officiating. Graveside service and burial will follow from Mabel Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers are Bill Parrish, Joe May, Jessie South, David Miller, Greg Brown, Kenneth Brown, and Eddie Dishman. Memorials may be made to Mabel Methodist Church Cemetery Fund in care of J.C. Winebarger 4166 Old Hwy 421 Zionville, NC 28698 or Caldwell Hospice at 902 Kirkwood St. NW Lenoir, NC; 28645. The family of Denver Earl Church, Jr. (D.E.) has entrusted his service to Mountain City Funeral Home 224 S. Church St, Mountain City, TN; 37683.