David Nathan Huddleston

David Huddleston passed away in the Emergency Room at Memorial Hospital on July 31, 2025, at the age of 75, due to complications from congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and pulmonary embolism. Born on March 26, 1950, he lived a life marked by skilled craftsmanship, quiet passions, and a final act of profound generosity.

For many years, David worked as a marine mechanic—first at local marinas, then independently as a trusted and meticulous craftsman. Though a man of few words, he earned the respect of many through the precision and care he brought to every engine and boat he repaired. His talents extended beyond marine work, he was an accomplished welder and skilled machinist, often fabricating custom tools and parts to support his work with the same exacting standards.

In his personal life, David found joy in collecting and sharing music, movies, and television shows, building a thoughtful archive of stories and soundtracks that reflected his introspective spirit.

He never married and had no children, but his desire to make a difference extended far beyond himself. David had long expressed his wish to donate his body to science, and in a remarkable final gesture, he fulfilled that wish by contributing to Florida Gulf Coast University’s forensic anthropology program. As one of only a few “body farm”–style research facilities in the United States, FGCU’s outdoor lab plays a vital role in training future forensic scientists and advancing our understanding of human decomposition in Florida’s subtropical climate. David’s generous gift will support this essential work for years to come.

David is survived by his nephew, Chris Huddleston; Chris’s wife, Robbyn Huddleston; and his sister-in-law, Jeanette Huddleston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orpha and Donald Huddleston, and his brother, Kenneth Huddleston.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. His family finds comfort in knowing that David’s final contribution will continue to educate, inform, and inspire a legacy of humility, service, and quiet strength.

Arrangements entrusted to the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist. 7414 Old Lee Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37421.