Reverend David Lee Persinger, Sr.
Born October 23, 1948
David Lee Persinger, Sr., age 65, of New Castle, DE, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 24, 2014. He was a devoted husband and father, loving Paw Paw and dedicated Pastor.
Born in Rockingham County, VA on October 23, 1948, he was a son of the late Joseph Persinger and Goldie Helmick Persinger. He graduated from Turner Ashby High School in VA and was called into full time Christian service during his senior year. After high school, he attended and graduated from Bob Jones University. With a strong desire to open an orphanage, he took his small family back to VA, but God had other plans for him. He was called and faithfully served as Pastor in Fulks Run, VA for 4 ½ years. Dedicated to God, he was then called to Pastor at Pleasantville Baptist Church in New Castle, DE, where he devotedly served his congregation and the community from June of 1976 to June of 2014. His ministry was not just confined to preaching the Word of God and meeting the needs of the congregation, but also included many hours visiting the sick in hospitals, counseling at all hours of the day and night, preaching in the prisons and meeting any other need that was presented to him.
He instilled in his children and grandchildren a love and zeal for serving the Lord. He made a point to share his faith not only with his family, but with all those he came into contact with. His hobbies included vintage cars, collecting all kinds of knives and of course, hunting. He would much rather have been in the woods hunting than any given day in the city. He had a warm infectious smile that was at its biggest when all his family was gathered at the table for a home cooked meal. His love and legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the countless number of people he touched as he walked through this world, his temporary home.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Persinger, Jr. and Melvin Persinger and a sister, Elsie Mick. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Dorothy J. Jeanie Pitsenbarger Persinger; daughter, Angie Williams of New Castle; sons, David Persinger II of New Castle and Daniel Persinger (Jennifer) of Bear; brothers, Rick Persinger of Helena, MT and Harry Persinger of Port Republic, VA; sister, Shirley Carper (Donald) of Stanton, VA; grandsons, Bruce Williams (Julie) and Bryce Persinger; granddaughters, Crystal Toman (Jon), Amanda Williams and Jordyn Persinger; great granddaughter, Chastity Toman and 2 additional great grandchildren on the way; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Monday evening, July 28, 2014 at the Pleasantville Baptist Church, 162 Christiana Road, New Castle, DE. A second visitation will be held from 10 am until 10:45 am on Tuesday morning, July 29, 2014 at the church, with a funeral service to follow at 11 am. Additional funeral services in VA are as follows: a visitation will be held from 12:30 pm until 2 pm on Saturday afternoon, August 2, 2014 at the Grace Baptist Church, Fulks Run, VA, where a funeral service will follow at 2 pm. Interment will follow in Greenmount Cemetery, Rockingham County, VA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rock of Ages Ministries, PO Box 2308, Clevenland, TN 37320.
Chalissa McCarthy
I’m soo sorry for y’all’s loss. He was a great man I’m do glad that I got to meet him and spend time with the whole family. He always made me feel like a part of the family. I’ll be praying and thinking about yall. Love ya
Holly Tweed
A beautiful example of a Christ-like life. I’m so thankful The Lord sent my husband and I to Pleasantville Baptist Church when I got saved. I feel honored and privileged that my life has been touched by Pastor Persinger and his entire family.
Kevin Rodriguez
We will miss your smile and your soft spoken word. Enjoyed our time talking about Job.
Steve Williams
Mr. Persinger was my father-in-law. He was always there for me. I dealt with some emotional illness for many years and so many times he would sit and talk with me just to help me get through all the problems I was experiencing and I could tell he really cared. I spent time in the hospital two times, one of which was extensive, and he came and visited with me very often. Many nights due to the severity of my condition I could not sleep and he would sit up with me and in the day take walks with me. Even though it was sometimes hard to understand my condition he was still there. After a months stay in the hospital he and my mother-in-law Jeanie took my wife, my first born child, and I into their home until I was able to get a job and start working again. Most people also have no idea of the responsibilities of a TRUE PASTOR. Being a pastor’s son I do understand the great responsibility that lays on a pastor’s shoulder and how he helps bear the burdens of his people. Doing this he still worked many hours painting and other things to supply the needs of his family. No one realizes the stress a pastor goes through when he TRULY CARES for his people. I know I don’t fully understand it because I’ve never pastored a church but watching my dad I know a little of the burden they carry. I’m thankful that I got to know him and will never forget all he and his wife together done for me! Thanks Mr. Persinger! I love you and I’m looking forward to seeing you again some day!
Lee & Gloria Henise
I appreciated Bro. Dave’s preaching in chapel at MBBC and in the preacher’s fellowship. He especially seemed close to the Lord in latter messages. God bless you Jeanie and family. Our prayers are with you.
Fran Derrow
Finally home.
Fran Derrow
I’m sure he is rejoicing with all those who are already there including my husband and his friend Warrren Derrow
Tim Gannon
To Dave and your family…..my condolences on your loss….May your grief be short and your memories long.
Al & Marty Burke
Marty and I will miss you greatly
and we know your pain and suffering are over and you are in a far better place.
Bob & Fran Rockey
Our sympathy to Pastor Persinger’s wife and family. Fran often saw him ministering faithfully to his church members at the hospital while she was waiting for different family members that were having surgeries. Bob appreciated him painting our master suite bathroom. When we saw the good job he did, we thought of him often during the last few years. A big thanks to him and the church for letting Lighthouse Baptist use their facilities. We look forward to seeing him again in Heaven!
John and Priscilla Fitzsimmons
Our sincere sympathy to all the family. Rest in heavenly peace with Our Dear Lord.
Becky Miller Blose
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Although I didn’t know Davy personally I have heard many wonderful things about him from his sister, Shirley and my daughter and son in law Pam and Steve Carper. What a wonderful legacy he has left for all who knew and loved him
Mary Ellen Hayden
Praying for all of you that God’s love and grace will see you through this difficult time. I’m sorry I never had the opportunity to know Pastor Persinger personally, but am glad my daughter Lori had the opportunity to share in his life briefly. It seems from the comments that he was a man who loved God and others. May God bless you all and know that I am praying for you in your time of loss.
In Hs Love
Mary Ellen (Lori Randla’s mom)
Steve Williams
Would like to express my deepest sympathy for the Persinger family. He was a good man and I know you all will miss him. My prayers have been for you all throughout his sickness and continue to pray for you now and in the days ahead. I know he had now found rest from his labors.