David Alan Durham

David was born in Dallas on October 13, 1948, to Virginia Hare Durham and Burt Alton Durham. Growing up in Oak Cliff, he was a natural and expert athlete- though his adventurous spirit occasionally meant getting into mischief, including a legendary secret climb up the Mark Twain Elementary smokestack. Entirely unbeknownst to his dear parents. His leadership abilities and athletic talents shone brightly throughout his school years where he won the city championship in hurdles as a ninth grader at Brown Junior High and at Kimball High School where he served on the student council, he was voted "Most Charming" and excelled in football, track, and baseball. He went on to play college football and was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order at North Texas State University.

David being brave, strong, and deeply loyal, honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps Air Wing division. Following his military service, he built a successful career in the beverage industry working for Dr Pepper and spent most of his life in the wine business. He was known as a fair, compassionate, and highly respected manager. David was also a brilliant innovator. If you have ever seen the organized wine box displays at Sam's Club, you have seen David's work. He invented the unique setup and personally installed it in stores across the Southwest.

David was a gifted builder and designer who could bring any vision to life. His hands were always busy crafting new things from decks, docks, porches, playhouses, greenhouses, even turkeys, pumpkins, hearts, and intricate wooden birdhouses. His greatest masterpiece was designing and remodeling the family lake house. Transforming it into a lasting sanctuary of comfort and happy memories.

Above all else, David was a devoted family man with a soft heart.

He was a devoted husband to Claudia for 42 wonderful years. He was a dedicated father, father-in-law, and grandfather to Carrie and Jeff Walden and their children Alissa and Ainsley; Meredith and Jason Smith and their children Gavin and Colton; Jenny and Cory Durham and their children Bowen and Brooks; and Scott Stuart and his children Evan, Jake and Sophie. He is also survived by his sister Susan White and her family; his sister and brother in-law, Carla and Michael Hosney, Sheila Houck, and Cindy Durham; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He is also the best dog dad ever to his most faithful companion, Buddy.

David was greeted in heaven by his parents Virginia and Burt (Nana and Pops); his brothers Burt and Donald; his stepson Scott; brothers-in-law Elton and Johnny; and beloved aunts and grandparents.

We are all profoundly thankful for the life of David Durham. He loved his family fiercely, and we will forever cherish every memory, every lesson, and every day we shared with him.