Mr. David Lee Emerson, 64, of Winston-Salem, NC passed away on March 4, 2022 at Novant Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC after suffering a fatal heart attack. He was born October 31, 1957 in Finlay, OH and was preceded in death by his father Robert L. Emerson and mother Carol A. Burry Emerson.

Filmmaker and Yoga Instructor.

Affectionally known, Dave earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Photography from The Ohio State University in 1980. In 1984 he graduated from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), Valencia, CA, earning the Master of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Video. Before and following his graduation from CalArts, Dave served as optical and special effects technician on many films from the middle 1980's until the early 1990's. Expertise allowed him to work for various southern California "film houses" and Hollywood directors of this time-period. He served as CalArts School of Filmmaking faculty representative for its' Los Angeles outreach program for the city's youth while serving as part-time faculty as well.

As stressful as the filmmaking industry can be, Dave soon sought refuge in the practice of yoga and received his certification for instruction prior to arriving in Winston-Salem. Known for his clear and calm style of leading his individual yoga sessions his practice lead him from Clemmons to several studios in Winston-Salem. His clear and calm style of teaching lead him to become popular while serving on adjunct faculty at Forsyth Technical Community College teaching classes in Film History and Film Video. Dave's gentle personality has gained him respect from his family of friends and loved ones, as the academic classroom teacher and well as the yoga studio instructor.

David is survived by Clyde H. Howell, Jr., his long-time best friend and husband; stepmother, Melanie K. Emerson of Sebring, FL; four siblings, Jodi Emerson of Arlington, OH, Lisa Emerson of Forest, OH, Robert Emerson of Findlay, OH, Chad Emerson (Kenya) of Arcadia, FL; sisters-in-law Donna Feaster of Winston-Salem, NC, Jerry Lynn Smith of Jacksonville, FL and by many nieces & nephews.

A celebration of David's life will be scheduled on a date in the near future.