David Burton Terwilliger Sr, 83, passed away April 30, 2023. It is believed it was caused from carrying his oxygen tank down the long driveway chasing the mailman. Making sure that one last Publishers Clearinghouse sweepstakes entry made it in the mail.
He left behind drawers of mail order stuff to his daughter who has no idea what to do with it.
So if you’re looking for rusty old tools , wooden toys, left over lumber, pens, books, Bibles , scraps of lumber and old paint from the 90’s that would look great “if a stained glass effect were applied”, old lawn equip with tire one missing & one flat or even an electric lawnmower slightly damaged (he loved putting the petal to the metal) and over a dozen flashlights, that was daddy.
You should wait the appropriate amount of time to get in touch. Tomorrow would be fine.
This is not a marketplace ad, but an obituary for warm-hearted great grandfather, Daddy, brother and Friend. A 1950’s motorcycle bad boy who met Jesus. Dad was born on July 22, 1939 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Born to Burton David, and Mary Hutchinson-Walshe Terwilliger.
David a firecracker, renowned for Bible preaching, not holding back his opinion and a knack for telling his stories over and over. Daddy always told you (his) truth even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. His extensive vocabulary was more than highly proficient at knowing more Bible words and Hebrew than most people learned in a lifetime. He liked repent words as much as he loved his Mountain Dew, ice cream cones, strawberry milkshakes, cheeseburgers and white powdered donuts.
A dedicated Eagle 🦅 scout in his youth he left high school and went straight into the Army at 17 in July 1956. He transferred to the Marines in summer of 1957. Blown up out of the water with a reconstructive facial appearance 6 1/2 years later. David was as handsome as ever.
He met the woman of his dreams standing in line at the bank Ms. Judith Ann Forgione . Head over heels they were off and running. Getting married that is. A few months of baby dodging, David Jr was born and surrendered after being surrounded. JudithAnn then had Mary Catherine.
Finally setting sail south, After moving all over Southern Florida settled in Orlando, Florida Always more profitable and better off as his own boss, David started his own construction company. Built a life, home and business. Helping hundreds of little old ladies always with Jr. in toe, a school of hard knocks.
Then the Navy (Seabees) pulled him back in to the military. And another 17 more years of high seas, islands, 2 more wars and an upset wife David returned retired Master of Arms USN to Pinellas County Florida. David opened his private detective agency. Looking for missing people and still trying to find himself.
David always was a giver to those in need. He was the kind to put the oxygen mask on others first, and forget about himself. I was always told many times how much something would cost in the number of hours he had to work. These words of wisdom, life lessons, kept me in line, and taught me the value of a dollar, earned per hour. Dad spent many years buying bibles, books and food for his Bible ministry. Received his Master’s in religion theology and finally came home to Georgia to live out his last years.Then came the high blood pressure, Cad and COPD .
David spent many years, miles, and money donated to his Prison ministry. As an ordained Minister, he continued his Christian philanthropy until he resigned this earth. Left his body to be present with the Lord on April 30, 2023.
David Burton was born an English, Irish and Scottish chap (thanks daddy for doing the DNA with me) and will be sorely missed. David survived by two children Mary Catherine Desalvo of Cataula Ga and her husband Michael. Son, David Burton Terwilliger Jr. of Clearwater, Fl. Brother Alan-Jon Rudolph and his wife Barbara of Clearwater Fl. Sister in law April Rudolph of New Jersey. Three Grandchildren, Michelle Allen, her husband Bobby, Bailey and Ryan Desalvo of Cataula, Ga. Three Great Grandchildren Bobby Paul, Benjamin Michael, Melody Grace Allen, and CJ O’Neal. The love of his life, JudithAnn Terwilliger Johnson of Tarpon springs, Fl. Nieces Laura, Amanda Rudolph,Nephews Cole,Michael and Taylor. The adored Walsh’s Sisters (Cousins) Kathy Patty,Karen and Nancy Wood of Springhill, Fl. His Church Family Calvary Assembly of Columbus, Ga. His grand kitties: King Leonidas and Hannah Ann and many lifelong friends.
David was preceded in death by his loving parents Burton David and Mary, his brothers Paul and Fredrick Rudolph, Son Michael and Nephews, Alan-Jon Jr. and Benjamin Rudolph. , and pretty much everyone else is the family. And if Daddy could leave you of one last word he would tell you claim Psalm 91.
A committal service with military honors for David will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 at 2:30 PM at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL Highway-165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama. A celebration of David' Life will occur Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Calvary Assembly of God, 8100 Cooper Creek Road, Columbus, Georgia 31909.
David will be laid to rest in Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL Highway-165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Terwilliger family.
