David Elton Register, 65 of Durham, NC passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026 at his home in Holly Ridge.

David’s love for the ocean, classic cars, and adventure began during his childhood in Durham. He spent his summers at Surf City, where his connection to the coast grew into a lifelong love. After graduating high school, David moved to the beach, where he built a life and raised his four children, David, Brittany, Crystal, and Charles and made countless memories along the way.

A talented and hardworking mechanic, David spent more than 40 years in the auto repair business. For 14 of those years, he was co-owner of David’s Auto Service Center in Durham, NC, working alongside his son, David.

David was also a devoted family man. For the past 14 years, he shared a deep and loving marriage with his wife, Cindy. Together, they enjoyed pier fishing, watching sunsets, traveling to Florida, and making memories with their family. They welcomed three grandchildren and cherished the time spent with them.

David’s passion for cars extended far beyond his work. He could often be found talking about, working on, or modifying the cars he loved. He spent countless hours with his lifelong friend, Will Jacobs, modifying his 1962 Impala with Cragars and a stroker motor until beloved car would “beat the ground.

David will be remembered for his love of the beach, his passion for cars, his adventurous spirit, his mischievous nature, and most of all, his love for his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother; Linda Bizzell Register.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Cindy Browning Register; his father, Joel Elton Register of Hampstead; his children; David Register (Sarah) of Sneads Ferry. Brittany Mckinley (Daniel) of Hampstead, Crystal Register of Maple Hill and Charles Lundy of Hamptonville. Grandchildren; Carter, Jameson, and Layla McKinley. His brother; Mike Register (Tonia) of Hampstead and his sister; Missy Todd (David) of Hampstead.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 2:00pm at Meet Me at the Cross in Hampstead with Reverend Robert Talley officiating. Burial will follow at Sea Lawn Memorial Park in Hampstead. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the services.