Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 16, 2024

CHARLOTTE – David Allen Nebrig, born June 30, 1967, joined the “little dogs”, Sadie and Nana, in their eternal home on Monday, September 16, 2024.  Husband of 31 years to Stephanie Jones Nebrig, Dave spent his last moments sleeping peacefully beside the love of his life.

Dave enjoyed many, many things.  Among those, Swiss Cake Rolls, those little apple pies you buy at the gas station (much to wife’s dismay), a crisp Sierra Nevada pale ale, Diet Mountain Dew (obviously), horrible sci-fi shows (again, to his wife’s dismay), quoting movies (anybody want a peanut?), the Red Hot Chili Peppers, stand-up comedy, the Cincinnati Reds (particularly the Nasty Boys era), that one book he read back in 2004, golf (watching, playing, and teaching his kids), a good house project (often unnecessary but always appreciated), and most of all, his family.

Raised by his parents, Judy and Fred, along several different mountainsides, Dave never lacked in his sense of adventure.  Born in Montana, with stops in Kentucky and Virginia, Dave spent much of his childhood through high school in Brevard, NC, where he dominated the drumline, introduced checkered Vans to the masses, and befriended everyone he met, regardless of who they were or what they looked like.  He was the connective tissue for his sister, Dawn and brother, Mark - not just because he was the middle child, but because Dave was everyone’s connective tissue.

Dave’s adult life was filled with trips to the beach with aunts, uncles, and cousins, rallying on the Cincinnati Reds with nieces and nephews, and spending Christmases protecting his sledding kids from flying into the treeline.  He was a master negotiator, debate prepper, and game maker-upper, all qualities that he worked tirelessly to pass on to the next generation of Nebrig kids.  He was the first to problem-solve boredom, by putting blow-up pools in the living room, or schooling his family in a game of cornhole, and every now and then throwing out a rendition of John Denver’s “Grandma’s Feather Bed”.

There aren’t enough words, or the right words to describe the husband, father, and grandfather Dave was.  Confidant, playmate, steadfast.  There was never any question about who came first. He had a knack for knowing exactly when everyone would be waking up, making sure to have a coffee ready for them.  He had his car purchasing down to a science, having the exact make, model, and color waiting in the driveway after Steph had spent all day setting up her book fair. He coached his children Ash, Bren, and Alex in just about every sport imaginable, at one point even taking on an indoor soccer gig.  He cried at sappy commercials.  He gave the dogs their treats at exactly 8:00 pm.  He made the best french toast.  He made baby Roe dance like a little Santa Claus.  He gave the best hugs.  He always answered your calls, and he had one rule before hanging up - always say I love you.

Mr. Nebrig aka Nebrig aka Neebs, was a beloved educator, coach, mentor, and friend.  He spent 30 years in the Western Alamance District, where he fostered an environment of humility and compassion.  When his journey started at Western Middle School, it became clear immediately that he was exactly where he was supposed to be, meeting his wife, Stephanie, the 7th grade English teacher.  He lent his musicianship skills, a listening ear, and an ever-growing list of Nebrig-isms.  He rounded out his tenure at Eastern Alamance, where he was able to welcome several former students into their new journeys as teachers.  He was always easy to detect coming down the hall, either by the sounds of his jangling keys, his loud (and actually quite skillful) whistling, or the feeling of the overwhelming sense of calm that he always carried. On the sideline he was the best at pushing you out of your comfort zone, always offering the safest place to fall down.  He not only saw the best in everyone, but also encouraged everyone to see the best in themselves.

A celebration for Dave will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in the Fellowship Hall of Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Dave to Save the Music Foundation, 1515 Broadway Street, Floor 26, New York, NY 10036 or at https://www.savethemusic.org/.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.