David Thomas Dortch

David Thomas Dortch, age 55, of Smyrna, Tennessee, passed away April 14, 2026, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee after a short illness. He was born January 13, 1971, in Griffin, Georgia, to the late Roy Milton Dortch and Sarah (Suzie) Dortch Hardin of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

David is survived by his mother, a sister, Karen Leslie Webb (Bryan) of Christiana, Tennessee, and a brother, Michael Brian Dortch (Halana) of Smyrna, Tennessee, along with many other family members and friends.

David spent the first fourteen years of his life on the family cattle farm in Griffin, Georgia, which he loved and enjoyed with his many boyhood friends. They spent many hours eating his mama’s pancakes on the big screened porch, swimming, boating, fishing, riding go-carts and BMX bikes, camping, and exploring the creeks and forest.

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, BMX bike racing was a very exciting form of cycling, fast-paced, competitive, and source of pure fun. David and his brother, Michael, spent weekends competing in local, state and national races. They brought home many trophies and have kept those bikes.

The family relocated to Brentwood, Tennessee in 1985, where he graduated from Brentwood High School and then attended Auburn University with a major in civil engineering. Along the way, he discovered his real passion for the culinary arts. He attended Nashville State Community College and worked with a chef at The Trace in Hillsboro Village in Nashville at that time. Over the years, David has worked with some remarkable chefs at Governor’s Club of Brentwood and Mere Bulles Restaurant in Brentwood. He served as sous chef at the Governor’s Club for a period. He also loved preparing special dishes for his family and friends.

David loved canoeing on the Buffalo River, playing frisbee golf, and gardening. He was a big fan of NASCAR, Georgia Bulldogs, Auburn Tigers and Tennessee Titans. He enjoyed documentaries and old movies. He had a real passion for history, especially the Civil War.

David lived his life on his own terms, filled with love, adventure and spontaneity, and the pursuit of joy in the simple things. He will be greatly missed and forever loved and remembered.

It was his wish that he be cremated. A private celebration of life will be held later to share stories, laughter and joyful memories in his honor.