MURRELLS INLET, SC—David Clarke Cromer, a loving husband, father, stepfather, Pop Pop, son and brother, was gathered into the arms of his Heavenly Father on December 27, 2023, after a catastrophic accident. He was surrounded by the love of his family as he took his final breath.
David was born on November 12, 1958, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to B.C. Cromer (deceased) and Jacqueline Cromer.
He leaves behind his wife, Denise; three children: Ashley Lewis, Clark Cromer and Katie Cromer (Robbie); two stepchildren, Suzie Matthews (Nick) and Gregory Burgess (Melanie); seven grandchildren, Thad, Winnie and Rae Lewis; Hope, Seth and Everly Matthews; and Oliver Burgess; two siblings, Cathy Strassner (David) and Jeff Cromer. David also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
David was a graduate of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He served as associate pastor with emphasis in youth and education at Walnut Hills Baptist Church in Williamsburg, prior to joining the U.S. Navy as a navy chaplain. He dedicated 20 years of service to our country by sharing the love of Christ with thousands of service men and women around the world.
Upon retirement from the Navy, David was called to pastor Corrottoman Baptist Church in Lancaster. He loved his congregation as well as the surrounding communities. He was instrumental in founding the River Road Corridor Food Pantry, securing funds for the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck through a partnership with the duPont Fund, and by leading several youth mission trips to Coeburn and Nickelsville and Charleston, South Carolina. He also served as chaplain of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
David retired as a pastor in January 2020 and relocated to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, to enjoy life at the beach. He became the chaplain of the Carroll E. Prosser Chapter 30 Disabled American Veterans of Myrtle Beach where he felt a kinship to the veterans he met there. David also immediately became involved with his favorite hobby—competitive tennis. He played in both the Prestwick and Stables Tennis Clubs. David was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach and felt blessed by the many friendships he had formed there.
David’s love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was evident in and outside the church. He led by example, showing unconditional love and acceptance for everyone. His captivating personality and joy for life were contagious as was his smile. He never met a stranger and truly made a difference wherever he was called. He was a servant to the end.
David lived the Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control. While there are no words to adequately describe the incredible sadness and loss that has come because of his unexpected passing, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. We know that David believed in the assurance of eternal life through Christ. Therefore, we rejoice that we will one day see that smile again.
A memorial service was held Saturday, January 6, at First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach. The family received friends following the service.
An additional service in memory of David will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 13, at Corrottoman Baptist Church, 48 Ottoman Ferry Road, Lancaster.
Memorials may be made to the Carroll E. Prosser Chapter 30 Disabled American Veterans of Myrtle Beach, P.O. Box 30637, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588.
