David Edward Featherstone

Biltmore Forest – David Edward Featherstone, 85, died in Buncombe County on Sunday, February 8, 2015. A native of Henderson County, he was the son of the late Ambrose Mills and Eula Anderson Featherstone. David graduated from Hendersonville High School and Clemson University. At Clemson, David was the Band Company Commander and performed at the Gator Bowl in 1952. Music was one of David's great joys throughout his life, especially his beloved trombone. After graduation from Clemson, David entered the United States Air Force, becoming a pilot. David served as a military pilot for twenty years beginning with four years of active duty with the Air Force followed by sixteen years in the Georgia Air National Guard, retiring in 1974, with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Following his active duty service with the Air Force, David returned to Western North Carolina and took a job in the research lab at Sayles Biltmore Bleachery. David subsequently became plant manager of Sayles and served in that capacity for more than twenty years. David is survived by his loving wife, Virginia (Ginny) Prather Featherstone; a brother, Richard Featherstone of Hendersonville, NC and two sisters, Anne Featherstone Clark of Arden and Shirley Featherstone Gorman and her husband, Charles, of Hendersonville. David was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Featherstone. The family would like to express their thanks to Interim Healthcare for the care given David and Ginny. A funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm Thursday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Calvary Churchyard. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 2:30 Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one's favorite charity in David's name.