David Charles Stires

David was born on July 15, 1943 to William and Marjorie Stires in Morristown, New Jersey. After graduating from high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1981, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. His military career gave him the joy of traveling to many wonderful places in the world. God used the military to bring the opportunity for him to meet the love of his life, Linda. They married and shared 53 wonderful years together and raised two children, Andrew and Amy.

During his lifetime he enjoyed photography and collecting old cameras. He and his wife loved traveling together, in their later years, with their motorhome. Seeing the different parts of the country and meeting new people was his delight. Together they participated in the Mississippi Campers on Mission group, which gave them the opportunity to share the love of Jesus through camping and serving people through mission opportunities. David was a faithful Christian man that loved serving in church as a deacon, but also in the community by distributing Bibles with the Gideons International association. He attended First Baptist Church Clinton. His greatest desire was to connect with people and to encourage them to trust God. He had found meaning, hope, strength, and life through Jesus Christ. He wanted to share that love with others and let them know they were seen and appreciated. David was a special man and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.

David loved his family immensely and is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Andrew (fiancée Lorie) Stires and Amy (Wilson) Hillman; his grandchildren, Jackson, Hayden, Jacob, Sue Ling, Jesse, Daniel, and Marjorie; and his brother Gary (Carole) Stires. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Marjorie Stires; his brothers, Mark Stires and Dennis (Peggy) Stires.

Plans are still being made for a church memorial service. A private family service will be held at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, Mississippi.