David Wendell Holman, of Shoals

For 67 years, David was a devoted husband to Ruth. Sixty-seven years together tells a story all its own—a lifetime of memories, challenges, laughter, family, and an enduring love. 

David was incredibly selfless when it came to Ruth. He wanted to take care of her, make her happy, and, quite often, spoil her. He loved to shower her with flowers. Anyone who knew David probably also knew about his love of QVC shopping. If he saw something Ruth might enjoy it was always a good chance it would eventually find its way to their house. 

Together, David and Ruth built a family that grew to include their three children, Rhonda Taylor (Jeff Kidwell) of Shoals, Lisa (Ronald) Shelton of Bedford and Randy (Glesie) Holman of Shoals. Grandchildren include: Melissa (Dan) Schroeder and children Braeden, Parker and cooper, the late Dustin (Kecia) Taylor and children Aiden, Hunter and Ethan, Christin Johnson (Kelly Schmitt) and children Isaac, Asher and Brinley, Kendra (Ark) Wright and children Jared, Micah, Liam and Lincoln, Peige (Jason) Melvin and Elijah, Arianna, Knox and Cruz, Tyler Wright and children Bently, Corden, Dawson and Maverick, Ralph Holman, Genesis Holman and child Eleanor. 

His family became one of the greatest reflections of the life he created. 

David was the kind of person who showed his love through what he did. If something needed fixed, figured out, or taken care of, David was there. If someone needed a hand, he was willing to lend one. He didn’t have to make a big production out of helping someone. He simply helped because that was who he was. 

For those of us fortunate enough to call him Grandpa, Dad, husband, or friend, one of the greatest gifts David gave us was the feeling that everything was going to be okay because he was there. He made us feel safe. He made us feel taken care of. There is something incredibly special about having someone in your life whose presence alone gives you that kind of security. And that is something we will miss deeply. 

But David wasn’t all seriousness. There was a spunky and mischievous side to him, too. There was that grin—the kind of grin that let you know he was probably thinking something he shouldn’t say, had already done something ornery, or was about to give someone a hard time. That sense of humor and mischievous spirit are part of what made David, David. Those are the memories that will continue to make us smile even in the middle of missing him. 
 

David was happiest outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and there were few places he would rather be than outside. Fishing on the White River with his son was especially important to him. When we picture David in the years ahead, many of us will probably picture him just that way—outdoors, near the water, doing something he loved. Today, while our hearts are hurting because we have lost someone we love so much, there is comfort in believing that David’s story did not end here. 

He left this life surrounded by family—surrounded by the very people he spent his life loving, protecting, helping, and caring for. 

And while we had to say goodbye to him, we can find peace in knowing that he is now at peace with Jesus. We can also imagine a reunion that our hearts have longed for—the moment David was welcomed by his grandson Dusty, who went before him. 

David leaves behind 67 years of marriage and devotion. He leaves behind children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who knew what it felt like to be loved and protected by him. He leaves behind stories that will make us laugh, memories of that mischievous grin, days spent hunting and fishing, time along the White River, and countless moments that may have seemed ordinary at the time but now mean everything. 

Most importantly, he leaves us an example. An example of how to love your family. How to help someone when they need you. How to work hard. How to laugh and be a little ornery. And how to take care of the people who matter most.