Rev. David Jonathan Piell

Rev. David Jonathan Piell, 78, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away just after noon on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. He was born October 1, 1946 in Ironwood, Michigan, a son of the late Irvin Luther Piell and Dorothy Oliver Johnson.

A Service of Remembrance for Dave will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the chapel at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL 35243. The family will visit with friends at the church after the service. Private interment will be at Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Mark Piell, and a son-in-law, Mark Harold Luce. Those left to cherish memories of Dave are his wife of 58 years, Betty Ann Piell, whom he married on December 23, 1966; their four children, Kim Luce, Jeff Piell (Erica), Matt Piell (Jenny), and Melodee Leon (John); brothers, Ken Piell and Dan Piell; and sister, Jackie Barker.

Memories of Dave live on in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Ashlee Meeks (Aaron) and Cohen, Austin Luce (Faith), Elizabeth Siskey (Will), Kaylee Luce, Abby Ford (Seth), Kaleb Luce (Ashley) and Nash, Adreanna Marsh (Kourtlan), Imelya Leon, John Leon, Jamarian Leon, Shae Leon, Christian Leon, Bri Jones, Kaylee McGlothen, and 3 great-grandchildren on the way.

Soon after he graduated from Sparta High School in Sparta, Michigan, Dave entered the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam War in classified intelligence. He could speak in four different languages.

Upon his return to civilian life, he earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree from Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary. He also completed graduate studies for the Master Degree in Biblical Studies from Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary, and the Master Degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Dave showed his passions for music, singing, counseling, and serving others in his work as a loving pastor for 35 years. He served the congregations of the Berlin Baptist, Evanston Avenue Baptist, and Riverbend Bible Baptist churches. In addition, he was a professor at Southeastern Bible College, Birmingham for five years.

Dave was solid in his faith as a Christian believer, living out the true gospel to those around him as a true leader with a servant's heart. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and always had time for his family. His laugh was contagious, and he will be truly missed.

Dave always talked about the precious day when he would meet his Savior, and so for this we are truly grateful.