With heavy hearts, we honor the life of David L. Colston—a devoted father, proud veteran, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Born to the late Leroy and Mahaley Colston on November 29, 1947, David passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and service.
David served with honor in the Vietnam War, earning multiple commendations including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. His military service was a lifelong source of pride.
After the war, he dedicated himself to the railroad industry, known for his strong work ethic, humility, and reliability. He was a man of quiet strength who led by example.
David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Clementine Colston, and his cherished daughter, Davida Gibson.
He is survived by: son, David Colston Jr. (Talea), son, Tinslo Smith and daughter, Katricia Robinson (Christopher) and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His siblings, Leroy Colston, Jr. (Janie), Cassie Caruth, Dorothy Polk (Donald), Gilbert Colston, Frances Howard, Mable Colston, Walter Colston (Kathy), Barbara Sturdivant (Jessie), Nancy McCain (Larry), Ronald Colston (Caroline), Cynthia Gaddy (Grant), Michael Colston (Lily) and extended family.
He lived guided by faith, duty, and love—never seeking recognition, yet leaving a profound impact on those around him.
Rest well, David Colston (PawPaw). Your service is complete, but your legacy endures.
The Homegoing Services will be on Saturday, June 28, 2025, 3:00pm, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will follow in the family plot of the Fairview Church of God Cemetery, Burnsville Community, Polkton, North Carolina.
The Family will greet family and friends on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 2:00-3:00pm at Smith's Memorial Chapel.
The public viewing will be on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 3:00-5:00pm.
May God be with you in the time of your lost
Sorry for lost maybe God be with during this hard time.
So Sorry 😢 for your loss
To my Colston Family and my dear cousin David, at 79; I do so remember our growing up years, all the visiting to Uncle Leroy and Aunt Hailey, or them and you children coming to the Red House, my family send our heartfelt sympathy to you all..... Sean, Andrea, Felicia, Yamah, and me... ❤️
David will be truly missed. He would often stop by to visit to visit my parents when he was in Mount Gilead. We, the children of Rev. Dewey and Lucille Rudisell offer prayers and condolences during this season of sorrow.
Rest Easy Mr David, it was a great honor to know you, my Condolences to the Family.
we are sending our heartfelt condolences, and praying God strengthen the family a this time.
On behalf of Myself and the staff of Anson County Sheriff's Office, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family at this time. We pray that you will have comfort in the midst of your pain and peace in the midst of your sorrow.
My deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time in your lives. May your hearts be comforted by all the memories of your loved one.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.