Memorial Service will be held at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Fl. On Thursday, August 5th at 5:30 p.m.
A private family funeral service will be held at Bay Pines cemetery on August 6th at 10 a.m.
David was born in Russellville, Kentucky on October 7, 1944 to parents Jenny Johnson Ballance and Gerald Ballance. David moved to Clearwater at the age of 5 and attended Skycrest Elementary, Clearwater Junior High and graduated from Clearwater High School in 1961. In high school David was a proud trombone player in the Tornado Band. After high school he went on to attend St. Petersburg Junior College.
David felt a strong urge to represent his country and decided to join the Marines. He served proudly during the Vietnam War, and he received a Purple Heart for action during the war. His pride at being a Marine was evident throughout his entire life.
David then went on to attend the University of South Florida. While attending U.S.F. he met his future wife, Patricia Schonwissner. They married on Sept.8,1973. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, certification in Social Studies Education and a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. all from the University of South Florida. He worked as a Middle School Counselor at Riviera Middle School, St. Petersburg, then taught Social Studies at 16th Street Middle School, St. Petersburg, then became an Elementary Guidance Counselor at Bauder Elementary in Seminole and finished his career as Department Chair of Social Studies at Dunedin Middle School. His love of his students was evident in his dedication and commitment to helping them to feel appreciated, cared for, and helping them to succeed.
David was involved in the Belleair Rotary for many years and belonged to the Old Salts, and the American Legion. His main love was being involved with his daughter Colleen Davis and son Justin Ballance as they grew up. He spent hundreds of hours at dance recitals/competitions, color guard competitions and on the sideline for soccer games. Then with the addition of grandchildren Brendan and Teagan Davis, David went full force into being a PaPa., he loved them with all his heart. After family, he always loved fishing and taking the trek to Hard Rock to play the slot machines.
David was the type of man who knew everyone in the neighborhood! So Friendly!… Then, when he retired, the traveling bug set in. Cruising all over the world with Pat. When traveling became harder for him he bought his Mountain Cabin in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. (The Hummingbird House) Riding through the mountains and sitting on the porch were his favorite pastimes.
David is preceded in death by his mother Jenny Johnson Ballance, and his father Gerald Ballance.
David is survived by his Daughter, Colleen Davis and Son- in- law Donn Davis of Safety Harbor, Son Justin Ballance and partner Patrick Murphy of Los Angeles, Sister-in-law Nancy Ramos of Tampa, Grandchildren: Brendan Davis and Teagan Davis and Niece Alexis Ramos.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Condolences may be left in David’s online guestbook
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Bay Pines Hospital and staff and to SunCoast Hospice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18