David L. Rockett

East Bend – David L. Rockett, 85, passed peacefully at home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 12, 2026. He was born January 29, 1941 in Forsyth County to the late Worth Rockett and Ethel Jester Rockett.

David graduated from East Bend High School in 1959. He was a member of Forbush Friends Meeting where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Elder, and on various committees. He was also a member of Fall Creek Volunteer Fire Department and Traffic Patrol. David enjoyed farming, and loved fishing with his family and friends, especially trips to the Outer Banks. In addition to farming, he worked for Harvey H. Brown and Son, Inc.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Bobby (Betty) Rockett; sisters-in-law, Darlene Blalock, GayNell Choplin; brother-in-law, George Norman. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carol Norman Rockett; children, Karen (James) Smitherman, Lisa Rockett, George (Wendy) Rockett; grandchildren (his precious blessings), Jade Smitherman, Landon (Marley) Rockett, Lauren Rockett; sister-in-law, LuRae (Larry) Doub, brothers-in-law, James (Veda) Norman, Johnny Choplin; several special nieces and nephews; and “special little dog”, Buffy.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Forbush Friends Meeting by the Rev. Mitchell See and the Rev. Jake Penley. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend.

The family would like to thank Dr. James McGrath and staff, devoted in-home caregivers, and Mountain Valley Hospice for all the love and care shown to David. Memorials can be made to Forbush Friends Meeting, PO Box 27, East Bend, NC 27018 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 516 Hawthorne Road, Yadkinville, NC 27055. Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend is serving the Rockett family.