The following appeared in the Fayettville Observer of October 23, 1925:
Rev. David Fairley, D. D., died at 10:45 last night in this city at the home of his son, 
Rev. W. M. Fairley, in his eighty-second year. He had been in declining health for some
time.

Dr. Fairley was one of the oldest ministers in the Synod of North Carolina. on the fourth 
Sunday in May, 1856, he was ordained as pastor of China Grove church.  In 1858 he was ordained
as pastor of Long Street church in western Cumberland Cumberland, and during all the 54 years
since that time he has been the faithful shepherd of that flock. For many years he has had
charge of Galatia Church

At the time of his death, Dr. Fairley was pastor of Long Street, Galatia, and the Church of 
the Covenant, the latter at Manchester, and also ministered unto Sandy Grove, of which he was once
pastor.

He was truly a man of God, patient, gentle, loving, yet firm as a rock in his stand
for the right, and with a will of iron to battle against evil doing.  His people, loved him for
all the years of service, and self sacrifice he had given to them.  As they sat under
his teaching, he revealed unto them the unsearchable riches of Christ.  And in all his
long ministry he went in and out among them burying their dead, christening their children,
marrying their sons and daughters, deeds which marked in him the perfect man, who day
by day, leaning upon the Gospel which he preached, was able to say exultingly, "I know in whom
I have believed," for in simple faith he found the strength to do His will.

Dr. Fairley was a brave Confederate soldier, and served as chaplain in the 27th N.C.
Regiment 1862-64. He was the beloved and honored chaplain of Camp No.. 852, Confederate veterans.
No man has lived and died in the Upper Cape Fear section, who was more universally
loved and honored than the venerable David Fairley, and the news of his death will bring
sadness to many households, especially in the rural districts; where he labored.

Dr. Fairley is survived by his wife and seven children; three sons and four daughter, as follows:
Mr. A. M. Fairley of Laurinburg, Miss Kate Fairley of Fayetteville, Mr. D. M. Fairley of Manchester,
Rev. Watson M. Fairley of Fayetteville, Mrs. S. N. Harrell and Mrs. Janie Roberson of Tarboro
and Mrs. A. G. Carter of Sanford. The bereaved family have the deep sympathy of
this whole section.

The funeral will be held tomorrow from the First Baptist church at 3 o'clock and the burial will be in
the Cross Creek cemetery. The Presbyterian church is undergoing remodeling and cannot be used.


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