Age 62, of Franklin Furnace, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. David was born on March 15, 1952 in Portsmouth to Wells and Esther Eloise (Schafer) Basham. He attended East High School, class of 1970, and served his country in the U.S. Navy as a jet engine mechanic during the Vietnam War. On August 4, 1973 he married Julia Louise Kuhn. Professionally, David held a number of positions in Purchasing and Production at companies that included Dow Chemical and Cabell Huntington Hospital. He pursued a degree in education from Shawnee State University and became a teacher, teaching Industrial Arts and Science at Rock Hill and Green High Schools and retiring in 2012.

David was a man of many interests. He enjoyed competitive shooting, woodworking, scuba diving, motorcycling, and traveling. He and his wife took many motorcycling trips, traveling to all parts of this country as well as other trips abroad. He had a great sense of humor and nobody could tell a joke more effectively than David could. He was, above all, a good friend, father, husband, and man.

David is survived by his wife, Julie; two sons, Nicholas Basham (Renee) of Ironton, Michael Basham of Aiken, SC; father, Wells Basham of Sciotoville; two brothers, Danny Basham (Lisa) of Minford, Tim Basham (Bonnie) of Lucasville; two step-grandchildren, Thomas and Matthew Williams; beloved "granddog" Manti; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eloise "Weezie" Basham, and several aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2014 at Christ United Methodist Church in Sciotoville with Rev. Richard North and Rev. John Richards officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery with American Legion James Dickey Post #23 providing military honors. Friends may call on Thursday, July 17 ^th from 4 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour before the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. Online condolences may be left at www.WolfeNelsonFuneralHome.com. WOLFE-NELSON FUNERAL HOME in Sciotoville is handling the arrangements.