David Urschel of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 25, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late Charles and Roberta Urschel of Mobile, AL.

 

David is survived by his loving wife and daughter, Carol Stumpf and Zoélie Urschel, his aunt Sarah and uncle Roger Becklund, cousins Kathy Jerry and Nancy Engels, brother-in-law Peter Stumpf, sister-in-law Suzanne Stumpf, and many more loving family and friends.

 

Although David was born in Chicago, his family moved a lot during his childhood due to his father being a doctor, so they lived in many different cities. The majority of his childhood was spent in Waban, MA and Mobile, AL. Despite all the relocating, his happiest childhood memories occurred in one place…summers spent with his family, aunt, uncle, and cousins at their cabin on a gorgeous lake in Wisconsin.

 

David discovered his first passion, the (French) Horn at an early age… but perhaps his greater passion was rebuilding sports cars with his dad and watching his dad race in SCCA events. Tragically, his dad died at age 41 of a heart attack on the racetrack when David was only 17 years old.

 

From there, David attended TCU and earned an urban planning degree.

One day, while playing a concert in a church, he met the famous Horn professor William Scharnberg, who invited him to come study Horn with him at North Texas State.

 

David‘s first Horn position was Principal Horn in the Midland Odessa (TX) Symphony. Next, he played Principal Horn in the Cleveland (OH) Chamber Orchestra, and finally, Third and later Second Horn with the Columbus (OH) Symphony. He also played Principal Horn with the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra in Columbus.

 

David and Carol were married in Charlotte on August 11, 2002. Eventually David made the sacrifice to leave his Horn career so they could be together and start a family. He decided to study IT at Central Piedmont Community College and began his full-time career as an IT Professional at CPCC in 2012, the same year they welcomed their beloved daughter Zoélie into the world.

 

David left behind so many family and friends who enjoyed his gentle, generous, intellectual nature, but he also left behind his dreams of playing his Horn professionally again, and rebuilding and racing his father’s famous Datsun “97” car. Saddest of all, he leaves behind his dreams of being a part of his young daughter’s life as she blossoms into adulthood.

 

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday March 29, 2026 at 5:00pm

Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service

1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

 

Randall Mishoe officiating.

 

The gift of flowers is welcomed and very much appreciated.

 

If you prefer to make a donation, please consider,

The Karen Beasley

Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center

Surf City, NC

www.seaturtlehospital.org

Select "Donate" on the home page

 

Online condolences may be made at

www.HankinsandWhittington.com