David Gay Bath

MSgt David Gay Bath, 84, died July 13, 2022 at his home in Hoover, Alabama after a long battle with cancer. Visitation is at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL on Tuesday, July 19 between 5-8 PM and Wednesday, July 20 between 10-11 AM. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM. The family will have a private burial at the National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama.

David was born August 4, 1937, Des Moines, Iowa to Ray and Lady Gay Bath.

He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Mary Ruth (Sykes) Bath, his children Mrs. Karen (Brian) Grimord of Cookeville TN; Michael (Becky) Bath of Pelham, Alabama; Kimberly (John) Eric of Bellbrook, Ohio; David (Lisa) Bath of Madison, Alabama; and Kathy (Donnie) Turrentine of Hoover, Alabama; his sisters Susan Timberlake of Troy, Virginia and Sandra (Richard) Dessi of Seminole, Florida. His 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 10 nieces and nephews will forever remember his duck sounds and funny faces. As a young man he enjoyed many activities involving the Boy Scouts, which continued throughout his adult life. He was awarded the Silver Beaver award in 2004 which is the highest award given to an adult leader by a local Boy Scout council.

David attended college at St Petersburg Junior College (Florida) and the University of Maryland before enlisting in the US Air Force in February 1960. While in the Air Force, he completed his education and received his degree from Northern Michigan University.

David and Ruth met while he was attending training at Chute Air Force Base (AFB) in Illinois. They met over the 4th of July weekend and were married on November 8, 1960 at Bolling AFB, Washington D.C.

His 21-year career in the US Air Force would take the family to various bases in Illinois, Texas, Kansas, Maine, Florida, Michigan, and New York, as well as a solo tour in Iceland. One of the many highlights and awards of David’s USAF career includes devising a modification to the F-106 Delta Dart flight simulator in 1968. The modification allowed students to receive in-flight refueling instruction on the simulators which increased trainer capabilities and significantly lowered the cost of training pilots in actual aircrafts across the USAF.

His community service included many hours volunteering for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Volunteer Fire & Rescue, the Singles Group at church, and Adult Literacy Programs. His interests included space technology, visiting historical sites, anything outdoors, bowling, tennis, and mowing the grass. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN. David and Ruth have been long time supporters of St. Jude and their work is characteristic of the heart that David had for children.

A visitation for David will be held Tuesday, July 19, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Southern Heritage Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.southernheritagefunerals.com for the Bath family.