David Michael Prevette

David Michael Prevette, Boonville, 77, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, after an extended illness.

David proudly served his country in the United States Navy, entering service on September 19, 1967. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam as part of the “Brown Water” Navy, serving on a Patrol Boat River (PBR) as a .50 caliber Gunner’s Mate. He was released from active duty on July 1, 1971, and continued his service in the United States Naval Reserve until his retirement, with an honorable discharge on June 1, 1995. He was awarded several awards and medals for his service.

Following his military service, David pursued his education at Wayne Community College and later at North Carolina State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 1982. He went on to have a long and meaningful career at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, working from 1983 until 2011 in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, where he contributed to research on ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John E. Prevette and Shirley Hull Prevette of Smithfield, North Carolina.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Joy Prevette; his children, David Prevette, Jr., Carrena Prevette Sherrill, Richard Prevette, and Gaston Prevette; his bonus children, Christy Brown (Neil) and Joni Absher; his granddaughters, Anna Kate Brown and Campbell Brown; his brothers, John Prevette II of Jacksonville, Florida, and Richard Prevette of Clayton, North Carolina; his sister, Pamela Prevette of Smithfield, North Carolina; and his cherished four-legged companions, Tinkerbell, Sissy, and Ginger.

David was a faithful member of Marler Road Baptist Church, where he found great joy and fellowship. He deeply loved his pastor, Randy Johnson, his wife, Tanya, and his entire church family.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Marler Road Baptist Church, officiated by his friend and pastor, Randy Johnson. Burial with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. prior to the service.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Hugh Chatham Health ICU team for their exceptional and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the local VFW Post 10346, 3604 Price Road, Hamptonville, NC 27020, in honor of David’s service and dedication to his fellow veterans.

Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Prevette family. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.