David Earl Hart, 61, of Hendersonville, NC died after a courageous battle with cancer early Wednesday morning, April 8, 2020 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC with his loving companion by his side.

Mr. Hart was born in Glen Cove, NY on Tuesday, January 13, 1959 to the late Donald Wood and Lucille Frances (Avery) Hart. He was an artist, actor, director in the theater, teacher and a minister. He performed in many national tours and regional theatres from Maine to Seattle, Washington. As an actor, he has appeared on stage as Julian March (42nd Street), Jud Fry (Oklahoma), Dickinson (1776), Emile de Becque (South Pacific), and many other roles. In 2008, he began teaching at Flat Rock Playhouse where he worked with the youth of Henderson County. While at FRP he directed many different genres of plays and touched the lives of countless young people throughout his time at FRP.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving companion of ten years, Mr. Lawrence “Wade” McNeilly of Hendersonville, NC, and his sister, Cynthia H . “Cindy” Stevens and her husband, Robert, of Farmington, ME. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Travis B. Stevens and his wife, Jennifer, of Farmington, ME, Mallory W. Hafenecker and her husband, Travis, also of Farmington, ME, Shelby H. Stevens and her husband, Chris Long, of Lincolnville, ME, and Avery T. Preston and her husband, Dean, of Penbroke, ME, along with several great-nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Mr. Hart’s life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be offered on behalf of Mr. Hart to the Dave Hart Scholarship Fund, Studio 52, PO Box #310, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or the donor may contribute online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org and click support.

Dave will be forever missed by his loving and devoted companion, Wade, family and many dear friends.

Arrangements are in the care of Shuler Funeral Home of Hendersonville, NC, (828) 693-5220. Online condolences may be shared at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.