David Wayne Laughter

David Wayne Laughter, 66, passed away peacefully at his home in Dandridge TN on August 14, 2021. He was born in Hendersonville, NC on November 8, 1954, and grew up in Horse Shoe, NC where his father was postmaster and his mother a Registered Nurse. David attended Etowah Elementary School for the 1st through the 8th grade and then moved on to West Hendersonville High School where he excelled in Football and band, graduating in 1973. His college years found him at UNC-Charlotte where he graduated with a BA in Political Science. He got to spend those years rooming with his original roommate his twin brother Dan. After college David sold advertisement for a short period before following his father and older brother into the military, joining the Navy, and attending Aviation Officer?s Candidate School in 1980. While serving in the Navy Reserves as an Induction and Enlistment Officer, he diligently trained in Shorin-ryu Shorinkan Okinawan Karate, attaining a 4th Degree Blackbelt. He served his country with honor and distinction, retiring at the rank of Commander in 2001. David was a great man and a caring father. He was an intelligent person of morality, honesty, and integrity. A very talented, creative and loving individual. His faithful love of our Lord, family, music, and America was beyond question. He embraced life to the fullest which included writing and performing music, Harley Davidson motorcycles, running, hiking, hunting, aviation, a good cigar, and his beloved Mischief Hollow. David is preceded in death by his father John Elmer Laughter and his mother Caroline Andreasen Laughter. He is survived by siblings Linda Creech of Brevard, NC, John Earl Laughter and wife Carole (Bowden) of Conyers, GA, and Daniel Laughter and wife Susie (Tomanchek) of Longwood, FL. He is also survived by his children Cyrus Ashbrook and wife Whitney (Mozingo) of Horse Shoe, NC, Allison (Carr) and husband Shane and their children Jae and Nate of Knoxville, TN. In addition, he is survived by his many beloved nieces and nephews as well as a host of life-long friends. A graveside service honoring the life of David will be held on Saturday September 4th 2:00 PM at Shepherd?s Memorial Park in Hendersonville, NC. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of David Wayne Laughter please visit our Sympathy Store.