David Ronald Weaver

DAVID RONALD WEAVER was born Tuesday, September 14, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio. He was the son of Gilbert S. Weaver and Ruth L. Weaver. One of nine children, David dreamed of living a full and exciting life, which he would go on to accomplish. This visionary, leader, and patriarch was a pioneer in the community whose contributions were truly on a global scale. Whether supporting the youth at St. Philip Episcopal Church, or mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, David was always committed to serve others. David met his wife, Jennifer Cheuk, while living in London, England. Their first date was for a cup of afternoon tea. Little did they know that Jennifer would go on to make David a cup of tea every morning for the next 40 years. David was a man who was passionate about everything he did, from his love of design and fashion, be it clothing or architecture, to his enjoyment of singing. He loved and embraced all people. The phrase, “…never met a stranger,” could have been coined based on David. His charismatic nature allowed him to be friends with everyone he met. David’s unique storytelling gift entertained the listener, all-the-while teaching valuable lessons without the listener realizing it. Everyone who had the opportunity to meet David, learned something. Another passion of David’s was supporting St. Philip Episcopal Church, where he was a parishioner for over 50 years. David was the ultimate visionary, entrepreneur, and a founder of founders. David had a unique ability to identify people’s talents and strengths and turn them into winning teams. Over the years, David was involved in various successful business ventures. From his childhood days of running his own newspaper delivery empire, to owning multiple international trading businesses all over the world. In addition to running a printing and magazine business, David ran a dry-cleaning business in Los Angeles. His clientele included many Motown artists, many of which performed in the nightclubs he also managed. David would go on to design clothing and make custom-tailored suits in Asia and later across the United States. David even opened the first soul-food restaurant in Hong Kong and ironically, later a Chinese restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. More recently, David served as Chairman and C.E.O. of a number of successful corporations in a variety of industries, including home healthcare, childcare centers, metal and plastic recycling, real estate, and addiction treatment centers. David had a tremendous respect for education. He graduated from West High School in 1962 and furthered his education at The Ohio State University. Having a strong entrepreneurial spirit as well, David taught himself how to create, run, and operate businesses. David held higher education in the upmost standard and respect. He often said, “you don’t go to school just to memorize the facts, you go to school to learn how to think.” David was a lifelong teacher, not only teaching his own children and grandchildren the importance of education, but also supporting and sponsoring many others through college. David marveled at the successes of the next generations, and attended all their graduations, milestones, and achievements. David Ronald Weaver, surrounded by the company of those he loved, went home to see our Lord and Savior Monday, November 22, 2021, at the age of 78. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Samuel and Ruth Weaver; brothers, Robert, Freddie, and Gilbert II; and sisters, Annastine Marlow and Joan Potts. David is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Jennifer Weaver; his children, Yim-Mie Nevle (Timothy Raines), David R. Weaver II, DaMenga K. (Fengwei) Weaver, DaVida Weaver (Erik) Payne, Aaisha Weaver, Dominique R. (Kathy Chen) Weaver, Daviana R. Weaver; his grandchildren, Kara Nevle, Michael Alex Nevle, DaMenga Khalil Weaver, Matthew Nevle, Valerie Rodriguez, Alina Weaver, Mia Fay Weaver, Daniel Weaver, Anela Weaver, Juliana Payne, Erik Payne Jr., Ilene Weaver, Maximus Payne, Meina Galloza, Lilliana Payne, and David Payne; godchildren, Renee Xu, David Qu, Suelin Qu, The Cummings Children, and others; his brother, Donald Weaver; sisters, Ruth Maclin and Judy (Rev. Dr. William III) Talley; scores of nephews, nieces, cousins, other family members, and many colleagues and friends. David lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. He lived a life helping others, honoring God, and was able to accomplish so much by trusting in God and leaning into his relationships with family and friends. He told his children . . . “I don’t want a sorrowful funeral, but rather . . . A Celebration On My Life.”