David Phillip "Dave" Holcomb's Obituary
David Phillip "Dave" Holcomb, 90, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Atrium Health Cabarrus. A memorial service to celebrate his remarkable life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in the gymnasium of Albemarle High School.
Born June 16, 1935, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Dave was the son of the late Oscar Holcomb and Ethel Chapman Holcomb. He proudly served in the US Air Force. He attended North Carolina State University and graduated from Pfeiffer College. Throughout his distinguished career in education and athletics, he left an indelible mark on countless students, athletes, and fellow educators.
Dave's accomplishments as a coach and educator earned him induction into the Pfeiffer University Sports Hall of Fame, the West Montgomery Sports Hall of Fame, and the Stanly County Sports Hall of Fame. He began his educational career at West Montgomery High School, where he served as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal from 1964 until 1974. In 1975, he joined Albemarle High School as a history teacher, head Basketball Coach and defensive coordinator of the football team. The following year became Golf coach and remained at Albemarle until his retirement in 1993.
Known throughout North Carolina as one of the state's winningest high school basketball coaches, Dave's influence extended far beyond the basketball court. He also coached football and golf, taught driver's education, served as a lifeguard, and drove a school bus. His commitment to serving others was evident in every aspect of his life. In recognition of his heroism, he received an award from North Carolina Governor Bob Scott for saving the life of a child at the Montgomery County Country Club.
For many, he was simply "Coach Holcomb," a name synonymous with excellence, discipline, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Dave will be remembered as a legendary figure whose presence was larger than life. He was strong, determined, and deeply devoted to his family. As a coach, mentor, and educator, he genuinely cared for his students and players, encouraging them to strive for excellence not only in athletics but in life. He challenged young people to be their best, believed in them when they doubted themselves, and celebrated their successes long after they left his classroom or the playing field.
A pioneer in his profession, Dave helped break racial barriers in sports and demonstrated through his actions that respect, opportunity, and teamwork belonged to everyone. His impact reached far beyond wins and championships. The lessons he taught, the confidence he instilled, and the lives he shaped became his greatest legacy. Generations of students and athletes carried his influence into their homes, careers, and communities.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Judy Underwood Holcomb; his son, Kyle Holcomb and his wife Cornetha of Albemarle; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sons Eric Todd Holcomb and Derek Scott Holcomb.
Dave's legacy lives on in the countless students he taught, the athletes he coached, and the friends he inspired through a lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication. Though Coach Holcomb has answered the final buzzer, the impact of his life will continue to echo through the halls of the schools where he taught, the gyms where he coached, and the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
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