David Lee Drum, 69, of Statesville, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

David was born February 12, 1951, in Iredell County and was the son of the late Jim Floyd Drum and Lucille Abernathy Drum. He was a 1969 graduate of South Iredell High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. On December 26, 1970, he married Lee Ellen Gaither Drum and together they were members of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.

He previously worked with the Iredell County Rescue Squad and was retired from the Statesville Police Department after 28 years after serving on Patrol, as a Fire Arms Instructor, Sergeant and as a Detective. After retirement, he was Head of Security at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. David was a man of character, high standards and ethics. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening and his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of 49 years, he is survived by one son, James Lee Drum of Statesville; one daughter, Sara Connolly (Shaun) of Statesville; two grandchildren, Rachel Lucille Drum and Isaac Cole Connolly; one sister, Carol Drum Hiott of Statesville; and several nieces and a nephew.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Western Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Fitzgerald officiating. Full military honors will follow the service.

Memorials may be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church or the Fraternal Order of Police. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.