David Michael Hoernle, Sr., 85, of Sanford passed quickly at the UNC – Chapel Hill medical center on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Born in Reading, PA, January 10, 1940, he was the son of the late Robert and Clara Manwiller Hoernle. David was a graduate of West Shore High School, class of 1957. When he was 17 years old, he started working in Fire & Rescue, a career that would last Forty years. In 1966, David and his wife, Shirley Brickner Hoernle, bought a house, a home that he would stay in for 54 years. David would relocate to Sanford, NC in 2020 to be closer to his family.

David was an avid Nascar fan. He enjoyed a good joke and would not pass up an opportunity to play a prank on someone. David had served as a deacon at the Valley Baptist Church in Middletown, PA and loved God. He was very generous to several organizations revolving around church, first responders and the military.

David was the husband of the late Shirley Hoernle and Mary Jean Hoernle. He was the father of Barbara Crebs, husband Dave, and David Michael Heornle, Jr, wife Theresa. He was the grandfather of Cole, Christopher, Michael, Rosalie and Elizabeth. David was the brother of Kathy Anemone and is also survived by his great – grandchildren: Silas, Lily, Salerio, Landon and Paisley Grace. In additionto his parents, David was predeceased by his sister Roberta Miller and granddaughter Courtney Crebs.

A celebration of life will be held April 30 at 7:00 pm at Calvary United Pentecostal Church, Lemon Springs. An additional memorial service will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date.

Donations in her memory may be made to National Fallen Firefighters Foundation https://www.firehero.org/donate/ or Gary Sinise Foundation https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate or to Through Tragedy Comes Light (Man22 Suicide Awareness) https://www.throughtragedycomeslight.org/

Services entrusted to Miller-Boles Funeral Home of Sanford.