Jack David Dancy, 86, a lifelong resident of Watauga County, passed away on September 27, 2026, just three days shy of his 87th birthday.

Jack was born on September 30, 1939, to the late Conard and Edna Isaacs Dancy. A quiet, hardworking, and dependable man, Jack was never one who needed many words. He showed who he was through the life he lived, the work he did, and the way he cared for the people he loved. His family will miss the quiet presence that was always there and the man who never needed many words to let them know he loved them.

Jack couldn’t be kept away from the love of his life, Ellen (Hess) Dancy, not even when Ellen’s mischievous sisters greeted one of their earliest dates by singing “Hit the Road Jack” when he arrived to pick her up. Clearly, their efforts did not work. Jack and Ellen later eloped in Maryland and built a life together that lasted just shy of their 65th wedding anniversary. Through the years, they enjoyed fishing, traveling, cooking, and simply sharing life together.

Jack worked for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for 38 years. During his career, he took on many responsibilities, including snow removal, explosives work, and maintenance, and earned various certifications and recognitions along the way. His years with the state became such a familiar part of him that even after retirement; Jack was often most comfortable wearing one of his state department button-up uniform shirts. After retirement, he went on to work for Willow Valley Golf Course for 11 years.

Outside of work, Jack enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved playing cards, fishing, hunting, word searches, puzzles, and could happily spend hours mowing a lawn. But perhaps one of the most familiar sights to his family was Jack settled into his recliner watching one of his beloved old Western shows or movies.

Above all else, Jack was a husband, father and Papaw. He had a special talent for spoiling his grandchildren, a role he embraced wholeheartedly, and his family will remember the steady and dependable presence he brought to their lives.

Jack is survived by his wife, Ellen Dancy; his children, David (Jasmine) Dancy and Sandra (Terry) Howard, his grandchildren, Jackie (James) Barnett and Karen (Terrence) Howard; and his great-grandchildren, Trevon Andrews, Levi Andrews, and Allieanna Barnett. He is also survived by his siblings, Kathleen Campbell, Gene Dancy, Patsy Henderson, Ted Dancy, and Lloyd Dancy.

In addition to his parents, Conard and Edna Dancy, Jack was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Kelly Howard; his great-granddaughter, Bryann Barnett; and his siblings, Vertie Teague, Susie Adams, Glenn Dancy, Robert Dancy, Charlie Dancy, and Bill Dancy.

The family will receive friends at Mountain City Funeral Home on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Zionville, NC, with Steve Leashomb & Derrick Wilson officiating. Pallbearers will be Terrence Andrews, James Barnett, Ray Presnell, Michael Love, Jimmy Hicks, Teddy Dancy, Levi Andrews and Trey Andrews.

The family of Jack David Dancy has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee, 37683.

Announcement Courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.