David Dowell Hartsfield 1939-2025

David Dowell Hartsfield went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 in Tyler at age 86. He was born on April 16, 1939 in Houston to Sharp and Mildred Hartsfield.

After graduating from high school in 1957, David attended Bob Jones University for one year before entering the United States Navy on Sept. 8, 1958. He served four years of active duty and two years in the Naval Reserves, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (AT2), serving as an aviation electronics technician and receiving an honorable discharge. During his Navy service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal.

On Sept. 16, 1961, David married Flora Sapp at Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. Together they shared 64 years of love, faith and partnership.

David was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Flora; his sons, Victor Hartsfield (Carole) of Battambang, Cambodia and Lance Hartsfield (Janeen) of Dilley; and his daughter, Treva Gregory (Craig) of Pearland.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith and family through his grandchildren, Kathleen Spicer (William), Levi Hartsfield (Sarah), Dillon Hartsfield (Mary), Cameron Gregory (Beka) and Landon Gregory, as well as his great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Hartsfield, Weston Hartsfield, Renata Gregory and Colter David Hartsfield.

David is also survived by his brother, Carmon Hartsfield (Linda) of Gordonsville, Va., and his sister, Cindy Jolley (Jim) of Duncan, S.C., along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sharp and Mildred Hartsfield.

Following his military service, David continued supporting America’s defense efforts as a civilian aircraft maintenance technician with LTV, under contract to the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. Assigned to Army aviation support, he was granted officer privileges, something that always amazed and humbled him.

He later graduated from East Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics and went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling. His calling as an educator and Christian leader led him to serve as principal and administrator of Heritage Christian School in Little Rock, Ark. for seven and a half years, and then at Permian Basin Christian School and Calvary Baptist Church in Odessa for 29 years.

In 2009, David and Flora retired to his family’s old home place in Wood County, what he lovingly called their “place of sojourn.” There they became deeply involved in their community and their church family at Calvary Baptist Church Mineola. David also found great joy as a substitute teacher for Quitman ISD for the last 15 years, where he continued to pour into the lives of young people through the 2024-25 school year.

Throughout his life, David served faithfully as a deacon and church leader in every community where God placed him. He loved sharing the Gospel, whether teaching, speaking at events or encouraging others in their faith. His influence extended far beyond the church walls, and in 2024, the Quitman High School Class of 2024 selected him as their guest graduation speaker. That same year, Quitman ISD honored him with its “Top Dog” award for his positive impact on students and staff alike.

Now, after a lifetime of service and faith, David has entered his final place of sojourn, in the presence of the Lord he loved and served so well.

A celebration of life will be planned in the coming months, and the family looks forward to gathering with his many friends and loved ones to honor his life and legacy.