David Fox McAnally

Dave was born on September 24, 1953, in Grenada, Mississippi, to Grover Cleveland (G.C.) and Peggy McAnally and grew up in nearby Duck Hill, where he graduated from Duck Hill High in 1972. He then enlisted in the US. Army where he was stationed in Korea for two years. Returning home, he attended Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. He was employed by Georgia-Pacific for many years as a traveling salesman, once winning a trip to the Super Bowl in San Diego.

He moved to Florida in the early 90’s and volunteered coaching youth basketball at the Clay YMCA and at local schools.

In the early 2000’s, Dave moved to Delaware where he lived for 7 years before returning to Florida to be nearer his children and a warmer climate.

In 2014, Dave met Ray, who later became his husband, while volunteering at the welcome desk at church and together as “The odd couple” (and lots of therapy from John Gast, LMHC) shared an amazing journey together for the next ten years.

Dave enjoyed concerts, listening to music and audible books, travel, spending time at the beach, watching TV (particularly old westerns), shopping at the local Medical 420 dispensary, and playing with his two cats- Beerus and Toulouse. He also looked forward to Sundays where he could work with the children at his beloved Unity Church of Jacksonville.

He is survived by his husband and best friend, Raymond (Ray) Martinez, Jr. of Jacksonville and cats Beerus and Toulouse, Daughter, Allison “Allie” McAnally of Middleburg, His Son, Neil (Lacie) of Lake Asbury, FL, 3 Grandchildren, Easton, Gemma, and Alyssa. Dave is also survived by a Brother, Dennis (Tammy) McAnally of Baton Rouge, LA, and a nephew, Spencer McAnallyof Starkville, MS. ; An “adopted” Daughter Julissa Sanchez (Andrew) of Rising Sun MD, 3 Aunts, Elmira Clark, Brenda Vance, and Patsy McAnally; a plethora of Cousins: Jim McAnally (Mary), Carter McAnally, Lee Robert McAnally (Elizabeth}, Kelly McAnally (Nancy), Patty Ann Brewer (John), Harold Bruce (Mary), Donna Staed (Stephen), Tom Bruce, Tim Bruce (Jeanette), Emily Vineyard (John Wayne), Melinda Ruth (Benny), Leigh Vance; Kenneth Vance (Amy), Annette Ferguson (Jimbo), Mile Mitchell (Janet); Penny Mitchell; Ben Mitchell (Leland); Renee Wilkinson. He was predeceased by his parents (Grover Cleveland (G.C.) and Peggy McAnally and his brother Donald Ray McAnally.

A special thanks goes to his special friend, David O’Dell, which without his assistance, we wouldn’t have been able to care for Dave at home; thanks also goes to a special friend Sher Kariz, without whom we would not have survived ; His caregivers, Mandy Hunter, Tina Logan and Joetta McCoy of Underhill Home Health Services provided excellent care in the home; We are indebted to Dr. Jaymeson Stroud of the Ackerman Cancer Center, Kimberly Cribbs, APRN,of Baptist Health, Cecilia House, D.O of Millenium Physician Group, and Rebecca Didi, APRN of Argyle Family Medicine.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1pm, Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Unity Church of Jacksonville, 634 Lomax St, Jacksonville, FL 32204 with the Rev. Marcia Brown officiating; A reception follows. Viewing will be from 11:00am until hour of service.

Entombment with military honors will be held Monday, March 19, 2024, at Oaklawn Cemetery at 2:00pm.

Our hearts are broken but our love continues forever.

Peace and Love to All

Wee Doggies