Norman David Pemberton

Norman David Pemberton was born January 15, 1935, to the late Norman Scott Pemberton and Grace Virginia Goodman Pemberton and departed this life on August 12, 2024, after a period of declining health. He was predeceased by his sister Jean Roye Hensley, and his great-granddaughter Cale Hall.

David grew up on “the south side of the river” in Richmond and later in Chesterfield County. He was a 1953 graduate of Manchester High School and joined the US Naval Reserves as a SeaBee the same year. While at Manchester, he met a cute girl named Jeane Davis and was determined to make her his bride. She eventually said yes, and they would have been married for 69 years at the end of August.

David was a builder in the Tri-Cities area for many years, serving as President of the Southside Home Builders Association, and was a Life Spike, and served on the Colonial Heights Board of Zoning Appeals. After retiring from his building career, he became a title examiner and was well known and loved in the Circuit Court record rooms throughout the area.

David was best known among his friends as an avid UVa and Dallas Cowboys fan and loved playfully teasing his friends about their teams – even receiving a funeral wreath when Dallas lost in the Playoffs to the Redskins. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his beach cottage the “Escape Hatch” in Sandbridge.

David pursued many hobbies including racing Hobie Cats, snow skiing with the Richmond Ski Club, and clogging with the Swift Creek Cloggers – participating in competitions and becoming qualified as a judge. He gave his all in each and every passion, not happy just to simply participate, but instead enjoying the competition. 

David served on the church council for Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Petersburg, sang in their choir, and was a member of their bowling league. He was very active within the church, helping with various service projects and built the bell tower that now stands at the front of the church. He was also a Scout Master with Boy Scout Troop 160 in Colonial Heights while his grandson was a Scout.

David is survived by his wife, Jeane; his daughter, Kelly Sharpe and her husband, Troy; his grandchildren, Justin Creighton, Morgen Smith, and Rachael Sharpe; son-in-law, Tommie Smith; his great-grandchildren, Bristol Hall, Tyler and Landon Vance, and Analeigh and Isabel Smith; his sister, Diane Meade and her husband, Ray; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

A service will be held for David at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer at 1769 S. Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia, officiated by Pastor Paul T. Christian. Participants are welcome to gather in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service to celebrate his life. Donations may be made to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in his name.