David Xiong

David "Mister Danger Balthlazaar Madrox" Xiong, age 38, of Apex, NC, escaped the matrix on Monday, August 28, 2023, leaving behind several guitars including his beloved Josephine, his elaborate hoo-kar setup, his quaint and cozy cottage, his collection of graphic tees, and enough movies to have opened his very own BlockBuster.

David is survived by his mother Jao Thao Xiong, a culinary maestro in his eyes. Nothing brought David home faster than his mom calling to tell him she was cooking a big dinner. He is also survived by sisters Yeng Xiong and her husband Lucky Vang, Julie Xiong and her husband Billy Vang, and Cindy Xiong Lor and her husband Jer Lor, as well as his brothers Jim Xiong and his wife Amanda Her, Peter Xiong, and Benny Xiong and his wife Jesse Davis Xiong. He is also survived by nieces Vivian Chang, London Vang, and Emily Vang, as well as nephews Simon Chang, Nathan Lor, Kody Xiong, and Cloud Vang (all of whom relied heavily on his streaming services, as well as his Spotify account).

He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Ying Xiong, who we're sure is already happily lecturing him, while simultaneously telling him how proud he is.

David graduated from North Stanly High School in New London, NC, where he made lifelong friends, lasting memories, and set the bar so high on what it meant to be a good student that his younger siblings struggled to impress his former teachers.

He then relocated to Raleigh, NC to attend North Carolina State University. He quickly fell in love with Raleigh and, much like his high school days, fostered enduring friendships that remained dear to him. After overcoming the pressures many first-generation Asian kids go through in college, David found the courage to pursue his true passion-writing. David graduated in 2007 with a Bachelors of Arts in Creative Writing.

His passion for writing naturally evolved into a musical journey. He found his place as a valued member of the Clay Pigeons band. He made notable contributions with three songs, 'Marianne,' 'My Black Bess,' and 'The Day We Drove to the Rodeo,' all of which featured on the album. David not only found joy in performing but also invested numerous late-night hours crafting songs infused with poetry, romance, and profound artistic genius. His passion for writing and music was fueled by the cathartic nature of the creative process, helping him unravel life's complexities. His passion for writing also blossomed into a successful career as a tech writer at Microsoft, where he contributed to enhancing the Azure Customer Experience.

Aside from writing, he enjoyed many, many things. Among those things were hanging out with friends, being goofy with his nieces and nephews, playing video games with his cousins, hookah, driving around aimlessly so he could listen to music and watch the sunset, watching movies and tv shows, forcing others to watch said movies and tv shows, and then being thanked because his recommendations were always on point. To guarantee you watched something he recommended, David would purchase streaming services and then immediately send you his login information. It was the most financially silly thing, but he was generous like that. David also loved visiting his family, and would always arrive with a small cooler so he could pack any leftovers because he held his family’s cooking in the highest regard.

David had the ability to see the best in everyone and would relentlessly remind you how wonderful you were. He always protected those around him and lifted them up to their highest potential. Whether it was filling out your college applications for you, teaching you how to play guitar, helping you apply for jobs, giving wonderful life advice, or just lending a friendly ear, David was always there for you. If you didn’t have much, just simply having him around made you feel like you had everything.

David was a loving, funny, and unique soul. He always had the courage to be himself, no matter how much it bothered anyone else that he was different. He valued authenticity and honesty and didn’t give a d*** about superficial relationships. So if you had the honor of being a friend of David, know that you meant more to him than you will ever know. And if you were disliked (you know who you are) you missed out, baby.

David was truly one of a kind and there will never be another like him. Give Dad a hug from all of us. We love you, brother.

Visitations and memorial services will be held at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle, NC on:

Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 7:00AM to 10:00PM
Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 8:00AM to 12:00PM

Following the service, David will be laid to rest at Stanly Gardens of Memory located at 2001 East Main St Albemarle, NC 28001.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do something nice for somebody else unexpectedly, and without explanation. #WhatWouldDavidDo

We have also set up donations in honor of David to go towards funeral services. If you would like to, please check it out. Or don't. Because he wouldn't want you to.

https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8XlQLSoKh5 

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Xiong family.