David Ben Cale

Burlington, NC - David Ben Cale, 77, passed away on March 18, 2021 at his home surrounded by family after a long illness.  Born in Elon in 1943, David was the son of the late Hazel Williams Fitch and David Lynn Cale and stepson of the late Thomas Russel Fitch.  David’s father was killed in action aboard the USS Chicago at the battle of Rennell Island in January of 1943.  David was a 1960 graduate of Anderson High School and a 1964 graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  In December of 1963 he married Nina McKinney of Alamance County and they remained steadfastly together until her death in 2018.  In 1964 David and Nina moved to Newport News, Virginia where he worked briefly for the Newport News Shipyard and then for the Department of the Army in the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate for 35 years.  He was involved in the design of helicopter engines, most notably for the UH-60 Blackhawk and AH-64 Apache.  In 1974 they relocated to York County.  After his retirement, David and Nina returned home to Alamance County.  David was a devoted son and brother, a loving husband and father, and a beloved Grandpa and Pa.  Sometimes thought of as quiet, especially in comparison to his wife Nina, he had a keen mind and sharp sense of humor.  David was a faithful member of Bethel Christian Church, where he served as a Deacon and was a member of the Laymen’s Fellowship.  Throughout his life he enjoyed woodworking and golf, and seldom missed watching an episode of Jeopardy or NC State Basketball game.  David is survived by his son, David Lynn Cale and daughter-in-law Dee-Dee Cale of Cary, his daughter Lisa Cale Durizch and son-in-law John Durizch of Cary, Sister Susan Fitch Rascoe of Burlington, grandchildren David “Ben” Cale, Cecilia Cale, Samuel Cale and Martha Durizch as well as many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his beloved wife Nina, David was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Fitch and David Lynn Cale, stepfather Thomas “Russel” Fitch, and sister Martha Fitch Trigonis.

The family would like to extend its sincere thanks to the physicians and staff of the Duke Cancer Center, especially Doctor Thomas Stinchcombe, Deborah Ballard and Carmen Halbohn for the care they showed David throughout his battle with cancer, and to Bobbie Easter of Duke Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the general fund of Bethel Christian Church at 638 Baynes Road, Burlington, NC 27217. 

A service will be held at Bethel Christian Church on Sunday, March 28 at 2:00 with family inside the sanctuary and other guests welcome to attend via radio in the church parking lot.  A graveside service and reception will be held in the future.

Sign an online register book at www.omegafsc.com.  Arrangements are in the care of Omega Funeral Service and Crematory.

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