David Wayne Dooley

David Wayne Dooley, 80, of Frisco, Texas, passed away on January 16, 2026. Born in Provo, Arkansas, to Alma "Doc" and Marie Hill Dooley, David was a man of high standards and dry wit who didn't believe in wasting time, money, or words.

David served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. Following his service and a long career in the dairy industry, he lived in Frisco but spent his time as a proud hobbyist farmer on his 13-acre farm in East Texas. There, he raised chickens, grew the "best tomatoes around," and perfected a salsa he'd always insist "wasn't his best batch" while waiting for your praise.

A lifelong hobbyist, his interests ranged from duck hunting and duck carving to astronomy, gardening, growing wildflowers, tending roses, baking bread, baking cheesecakes, and cooking for the people he loved. He was known for his Thanksgiving dressing and took it very seriously.

He saw no reason to pay a professional for something he could attempt himself and inevitably make more complicated. This philosophy provided the family with endless entertainment, including the time he nearly set the farm on fire while burning brush. This independent streak earned him a reputation as the "cool dad" early on, mainly when he worked nights so that he could pick up his daughters from school on his burgundy Suzuki motorcycle.

David was married to Belinda Dooley for 56 years. Together they raised two daughters, Deanna Greco and Shannon Chambers, of whom he was proud. He is survived by Deanna and her husband, John Greco, and Shannon and her husband, Matthew Chambers. He was also a devoted PaPaw to Chloe Chambers, Oliver Chambers, and Emma Chambers. He loved sharing adventures with them, including flying to New Jersey just to road-trip back to Texas, stopping at historic sites along the way. He is also survived by his sisters Alma Smith, Millie Jackson, and Donna Parker, and his brother John Dooley. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Dooley.

In keeping with his wishes, David was cremated and requested that no formal funeral be held. He did not want to "bother anyone." David lived life on his own terms, practical, curious, independent, and full of quiet humor. He leaves behind a family who will forever miss his stories, his salsa, his cooking, and the steady way he showed up for the people he loved.

In his honor, tell a good story, plant a tomato, hug your family, and try to fix something yourself before calling a professional.