David Burl Cavin

David Burl Cavin, 51, passed from this life and into the arms of his beloved Savior on January 9, 2018. David was a 1984 graduate of Halls High School and a member of the Halls High Madrigals. A lifelong resident of Knoxville, he was the youngest child of Odis “Burl” and Mabel Cavin (both deceased). David grew up in the Emmanuel Assembly of God Church, Knoxville, which he helped to build, alongside his father, Rev. Odis B. Cavin. He was baptized at Concord Mennonite Church, Knoxville, and was an active member there for many years. David had an abiding love and extensive knowledge of the Bible, and his life was a testament of his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a quiet, humble man with a quick wit and keen sense of humor. He had a generous heart and a love of working with his hands, and was quick to help someone in need. David was enticed into the boiler industry at the age of 18. He had a love for steam-powered vessels, and coupled with that, a mathematical mind and a work ethic that was second to none. He had a successful career as a boilerman that spanned 33 years, and was employed by several local companies. A highlight for David was working on the steam engines at Dollywood, and the Three Rivers Rambler. In 2007, he branched out on his own and formed Boiler Systems and Controls, Inc., (BSCI). He joined the employ of Carlisle Tire, of Clinton, TN, as a boiler room technician in January 2017, and maintained BSCI as a sideline.David enjoyed the outdoors, and shared many good memories of time spent on his Grandpa Smith’s farm in Ewing, VA. He loved motorcycles, bike riding, camping, and cooking over an open fire. He was a talented welder and loved to create things from steel. He is survived and will be greatly missed by Kay, his wife of 23 years, and four sons, Elijah (22), Benjamin (20), Jonathan (19), and Jedidiah (16); two sisters, Peggy Cavin Hinkle (Knoxville), and Mary Faulkner (Andersonville), four nieces, and three nephews. Receiving of friends and family will be held at Arlington Church of Christ on Friday, January 12, from 5p-8p, and Saturday, January 13, from 12P-3P, with a celebration of life service beginning at 3p. In lieu of flowers, contributions to help with burial expenses may be made to Arlington Church of Christ, 2206 Tecoma Drive, Knoxville, 37917. We want to thank David’s customers, employers, and co-workers for their loyalty and friendship through the years. We know that he will be sorely missed, and are so grateful for the love and support they have extended to our family.