Arthur "David" Thaxton Arthur "David" Thaxton born May 4, 1952, known to those who loved him as "Preacher Dave," entered into the gates of Heaven on Monday, June 2, 2014. There he joined his mother Betty Jo Asbury Thaxton Phillips, his father Arnett Vernon Thaxton, his stepfather Golden Ray Phillips, along with a host of dear friends that have gone on before. His spirit will be carried on through his loving wife of 43 years Rebecca Jo Smith Thaxton, his three children Catherine Jo White, and husband, Todd, David Scott Thaxton, Leslie Ann Thaxton, his three grandchildren Alexandria Kirstin Shaffer, Brady Allen Shaffer and Hannah Marie Harrison, his sister Mary Ann Vann and husband, Marvin, and nephew Barry Owen Baldwin. He attended Sissonville High School and Hyles Anderson College in Chicago, Ill. before becoming a Pastor at Sugar Creek Missionary Baptist Church. He later was a founding member of Bible Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Pastor for 22 years. His ministry was greatly influenced by Pastor Herman Gandee, whom he often quoted. Preacher Dave loved The Lord and tirelessly served Him. One of his favorite Bible verses was Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Dave's passions were preaching the gospel and spreading the word of God. In his spare time he enjoyed taking care of his horses and mules, along with going to auctions in Amish Country. Preacher Dave will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Visitation with family and friends will be held at Bible Missionary Baptist Church, Sissonville, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. A service to celebrate Preacher Dave's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Bible Missionary Baptist Church with his close friend and fellow Pastor Brother John Jenkins officiating. He will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Pocatalico. A celebration of Dave's life will be held following Friday's services at Bonham Business Plaza, formerly Bonham Elementary School: 539 Kanawha Two Mile, Charleston. The family suggests making donations to Bible Missionary Baptist Church General Fund: 7020 Sissonville Drive, Sissonville, WV 25320