NEW SCHOLARSHIP HONORS THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DAVID FOY WHILE CREATING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS IN AGRICULTURE AND WORKFORCE PROGRAMS
On June 12, 2026, James Sprunt Community College lost a beloved member of its family with the passing of David Christopher Foy, who died following health complications surrounded by his loved ones.
David was known for his unwavering work ethic, his love of fishing, and, above all, his devotion to his family and those around him. As an HVAC Mechanical Maintenance Assistant at James Sprunt Community College, he quickly became a familiar and cherished face across campus. Whether lending a helping hand, offering words of encouragement, or simply greeting others with a smile, David’s kindness and servant’s heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
To honor his life and legacy, the Foy family has established the David C. Foy Memorial Scholarship through the James Sprunt Foundation Inc. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to students pursuing an Agriculture degree, diploma, or certificate, as well as those enrolled in curriculum trade programs such as Electrical Systems Technology, Welding Technology, Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology, and Industrial Systems Technology.
For David’s family, the scholarship is a meaningful way to continue the values he lived every day: hard work, service to others, and a belief in the power of education.
Katlyn Foy Brinson, David’s daughter and a James Sprunt Community College employee, shared what the scholarship means to her family.
For my dad, James Sprunt Community College was more than a college—it was a place he genuinely believed in. He valued the opportunities JSCC provides for students pursuing agriculture, the skilled trades, and other career pathways that strengthen rural North Carolina. Education, hard work, and serving others were values he lived every day.
Our family is incredibly grateful that his memory will continue to live on through the students whose lives will be changed by this scholarship. Knowing that future generations will be encouraged to pursue careers in agriculture, the trades, and other fields that serve our communities is a meaningful tribute to the legacy he leaves behind. I know he would be honored to play a small part in helping students achieve their goals at a college that meant so much to him.”
David’s son, Chris Foy, reflected on the character and values that defined his father.
My dad was hardworking, intelligent, and believed in the motto, ‘Work smarter, not harder,’ as well as ‘Do it right the first time, and you won’t have to go back and fix it.’ He made a great first impression on everyone he met, and he never knew a stranger. He believed in helping those who needed it most, and he always looked after the people he loved, especially his JSCC family. We are grateful that his giving spirit will live on through this scholarship.”
David’s daughter, Kristen, remembered her father as someone who made everyone feel welcome.
My dad was always a smiling face wherever he went. No one was a stranger, and he always had your back no matter what. He helped everyone he could without hesitation. He was hardworking and always strived to be the best at what he did. He believed in teaching others and giving back whenever possible. That’s why JSCC meant so much to him—he was passionate about making a difference wherever he went and with everyone he met. I’m honored that his memory will live on through students and throughout our community.”
Dr. Shannon Hair, President of James Sprunt Community College, said the scholarship is a fitting tribute to a man whose impact reached far beyond his job title.
One of the greatest ways we can honor someone’s life is by investing in others. At James Sprunt Community College, our mission is centered on transforming lives through education, and the David Foy Memorial Scholarship allows us to continue that mission while honoring a man who faithfully served this college and our community. Through this scholarship, David’s legacy will continue to inspire and support students pursuing careers in agriculture and the skilled trades for generations to come.”
While David Foy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues, his legacy will continue through every student who receives this scholarship. His life was marked by humility, service, and a genuine desire to help others succeed—qualities that will continue to shape the future of James Sprunt Community College for years to come.
Those wishing to honor David’s memory may contribute to the David C. Foy Memorial Scholarship through the James Sprunt Foundation Inc. For more information on how to contribute, contact Taylor Sandlin at tsandlin@jamessprunt.edu or (910) 275-6152.
Through the generosity of family, friends, and supporters, the scholarship will ensure that David’s passion for hard work, education, and serving others continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of future generations.
