David Moorhead McCaleb, 78, died on August 30 at Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Services. David was born in Prairie Village, Kansas to Miriam and Harvey McCaleb, who predeceased him. He is survived by one sister, Jane McCaleb, MD of Raleigh. His other sister, Sarah, predeceased him. He had 3 chosen sisters - Teresa Martin of Conway and Terri Hudson and Joan Shell of Littleton.

David grew up in Columbia, Mo. and graduated from Hickman High School and attended Cornell University for 1 year. He received a Masters degree in Library Science from the University of Missouri.

David was brilliant with an encyclopedic knowledge. He could discuss anything about literature and philosophy or movies prior to 1970 or basketball and football. But he also struggled his whole life with autism spectrum disorder and other mental health issues. He was fortunate to have the support of family and many friends across the country. Books were his best friends and he was well known to the librarians in Roanoke Rapids and the the salesclerks at Quail Ridge books in Raleigh. He was most proud of his efforts to teach reading to both adults and children. His greatest joy was food and he was blessed to get delivery of meals from BaySire restaurant in Jackson.

In lieu of a memorial service, friends can enjoy a meal at BaySire or make a charitable donations in the name of David to Reading Is Fundamental, an organization dedicated to literacy.