Thomas "David" Cruse, 52, of Arden, NC and formerly of Franklin, NC, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023, after a period of declining health.

David was born in Macon County, the son of the late Richard Lynn and Linda Hurst Cruse. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandparents, Howard and Eula Cruse, and Monta and Odell Hurst. He was a member at the Cartoogechaye Baptist Church and had worked in the cable utilities field as a maintenance tech. David loved life and had a passion for cars, which included working on them and painting them. He enjoyed football, baseball, cooking, shooting pool, bowling, and NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Missy Souther Cruse; children, Tyler Cruse (Brady Reece-Cruse) of Boiling Springs, SC, Shawn Cruse (Mady) of Elizabethton, TN, Celeste Cutshaw (Jamie) of Fletcher, NC, Kersten Fisher (Brandon) of Fletcher, NC, and Dusty Dills (John Fryer) of Fayetteville, GA; in-laws, Gary and Judy Souther of Fletcher, NC; three grandchildren, Stella Fisher, Dayton Dills, and Anabelle Messer; aunt , Pat Cagle of Franklin; and cousins, Lacey Austin (Shannon) and their daughter, Kinley, and Samantha Tallent (Travis) and their son, Harrison. David is also survived by his good friend and mother of Shawn and Dusty, Kim Loy of Franklin, NC; friends, Chad Dahl (Becky), Lee Cloer (Debra), and John Henry (Belinda), and numerous other friends and family members.

In keeping with David's wishes, the family will have a private Celebration of Life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Toys for Tots or the Black Mountain Home for children, youth, and families; both were very important to David.

Online condolences can be left at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.