His friends called him “Big Dave." 

He charmed everybody around him with his thunderous laugh and genuine smile. He considered his wife his best friend and his son his greatest accomplishment. His granddaughter was his most unexpected and deepest joy. He loved his mother dearly. He cherished his sisters and their families. 

He made friends easily. He never suffered a fool gladly. He liked his TV loud and his food barbecued. He looked to Black leaders, thinkers, creatives and athletes for hope. He watched old cowboy movies to evoke simpler times. The Steelers, Dodgers and Serena couldn’t be beat in his book. Politics enthralled him. The pettiness infuriated him. The universe fascinated him and animals comforted him. The sound of rain, Jazz and R&B eased his soul. His strength and guidance encouraged more people than anyone knows. 

To his Wife he is a soulmate. 

To his Son he is a hero. 

To his Granddaughter he is pure love and adoration. 

To us all he is irreplaceable.

Rest now Big Dave, your work here on Earth is done.