David Duey Hager, 76, of Mount Ulla, N.C., passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022, at his home surrounded by his wife and girls. He was born on January 24, 1946, in Mooresville, N.C., to the late James Durant “Tump” and Lucy Covington Hager.

Mr. Hager was a 1965 graduate of the last class of Troutman High School, where he drove a school bus. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in Germany with the Troop A, 7 Calvary 3rd Squadron. Mr. Hager retired from Bay State Milling in Mooresville. He was one of several men who made and put the crosses on top of Bay State Milling. He was also a retired Assistant Chief and First Responder with Lake Norman Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of McKendree Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville. Mr. Hager was a Lifetime Member and Hall of Famer of the Old English Bantam Club of North Carolina and America and founding member of the Tarheel Bantam Club. Mr. Hager was a diehard Atlanta Braves fan. After retirement, he enjoyed being in his chicken barn, going to chicken shows, watching Braves games, and just sitting on his porch waving at everyone.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Donnie, James, and Bennie Hager; and sister, Margaret Ann Bumgarner.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ruth Ann Wright Hager; daughters, Gina Gajus (Eric), Gwen Hager (John), and Dana Hager (Scott); sister, Phyllis Rinehardt (Johnny); brother, Joe Hager (Joann); grandchildren, Stephen (Liz), Shania, Dusty, Courtney (David), Jacob, Matthew (Ezzy), Cory, and Cooper (Anna Claire); and great grandchildren, Lucas, Scarlette, Aubrey, Jacob, Lahania, Raelyn, Gracelynn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, at McKendree Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Kevin Hager officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lake Norman Fire/Rescue, 1518 Brawley School Road, Mooresville NC 28117 and McKendree Chapel UMC, 291 McKendree Road, Mooresville, NC 28117.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Hager family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.