David Ernest Hayter

David Ernest Hayter, a beloved husband, father, and friend to everyone, returned to his heavenly home on January 28, 2024, peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a valiant fight with cancer. Throughout his battle with cancer, it was an unwavering devotion to his faith and support from his family that ultimately gave him peace.

Dave was born in St. Petersburg and raised in the Tampa Bay area where he explored the waterways and woods fostering a lifelong love for fishing and discovering old Florida. These explorations informed a lifelong journey of adventures which informed stories riveling anything one could read about in literary history. Throughout his life, whether it was fishing, boating, or scuba diving, being near water brought him tremendous joy. Fishing was his favorite, as it allowed him to connect with not only nature but with family, and friends, or fostered a way to make future friendships. It is here where he made the closest connections with people. Even if he was secretly in competition to skunk them, he always had a smile and was encouraging and educating along the journey.

Dave was devoted to the Catholic faith starting from his childhood in parochial school at Holy Family to his daily devotions at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed the quiet times of reflection during the first mass of the day while others were still sleeping or figuring out how to get their days going. Dave was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife Cathy were presenting couples for Worldwide Marriage Encounter for 10 years and area coordinators for 3 years. Dave and Cathy started S.O.S ministries in 2010 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church as well as The Women’s Abuse Christian Outreach healing ministry 10 years ago. In 1993 Dave and Cathy became Third Order Mercedarians with The Order of Our Mother of Mercy in St. Petersburg.

For over 43 years, Dave was the owner of Fabric Renovators, an upholstery business in the Tampa Bay area. Through his profession, he was able to make personal connections with clients and vendors, and some became lifelong friends. Since he always carried fishing poles in his van, it was fair to say he continued his adventurous ways, always looking for new untouched fishing spots. He was hardworking, had a meticulous eye, and thrived in the creative opportunity his craft gave him to express his little-known artistic abilities and creative side.

Dave is survived by his wife Cathy, son Christopher (Debra) Hayter, daughter Kathy (Rodney) Cozart, his grandchildren Makayla Nicely, Bailey Williams, and Ezra Hayter as well as his brothers and sister Henry Bruce (Darlene) Hayter, Kathe (Wayne) Neal, John Hayter and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Henry Albert Hayter and Martha Shoemaker Hayter.

Dave will have a viewing (wake) at Blount & Curry Funeral Home 3207 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618 on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church 12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33618 on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM, with a reception to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers please make monetary donations to David's spouse Cathy Hayter.