David was born on Oct. 16th, 1925 in Waldo Florida to Percy M. and Ruth Helen (Berry) Boothby. David moved with his family to Gainesville when he was five years old along with his brother Millard and sister Ruth Helen. David always spoke fondly of the time he spent as a child at his Grandmother's Home in Cedar Key, after his Mother's death, when he was ten years old, fishing for "yellowtails" and feasting on his Grandmother's cooking. David was a proud product of the Alachua County School System where he attended Kirby Smith Elementary School and Gainesville High. David was among the first "National Honor Students" at GHS and following his graduation was selected for the U.S. Air Force Officer Cadet Program. He served in the Air Force until 1946 at which time he returned to Gainesville and attended the University of Florida. David worked for the City of Gainesville "Light Plant" (GRU) for twenty-seven Years, retiring in 1978. After retirement from the City of Gainesville, he worked ten years at the University of Florida, fully retiring in 1988. David and Blanche, his high school sweetheart and beloved wife for 66 years, returned to Blanche's childhood home in Waldo in 1990. David was a devoted Father, always putting his family above self. He always sacrificed to give his children what he didn't have as a child and worked his entire life to give his three sons more opportunities than he had growing up. David was a lifelong stamp collector, and an avid Gator sports fan, and loved to watch "old classic movies". He was a Free Mason, a member of Eastern Star, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Waldo. David is survived by his wife Blanche Louise (deSha) of Waldo, his three sons David Mirel (Genie) and Gary Alan (Denise) of Gainesville and Richard Carl (Page)of Ft Myers, as well as his five Grandchildren Jonathan David, Alison , Hunter, Brandon, and Baylee. A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Waldo on Friday, August 31, 2012 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers , please send donations to E.T. York Haven Hospice,4200 NW Blvd., Gainesville,Fl.,32606 Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528