David  Wakefield

Obituary of David Preston Wakefield

David Preston Wakefield (“Pop”), of Hendersonville, TN, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at the age of 73. He was a loving father of four children and a devoted grandfather of eight grandchildren. David was born in Athens, Georgia on May 17, 1943. He was the son of James K Wakefield and Samantha Jane Preston Wakefield. David grew up in Fayetteville, TN, the middle child of three brothers. As a high school student, he attained the highest rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. While attending George Peabody College in Nashville, TN, David held several leadership positions between the years of 1962 and 1965. His freshman year, he co-founded the fraternity Sigma Epsilon, holding the office of Treasurer that same year. He was president of his sophomore class, vice president of the Student Government Association his junior year, and president of the Student Government Association his senior year. In addition, he was an attendant to Mister Peabody his sophomore through his senior years and a member of Who’s Who of College Students his senior year. In 1965, he graduated from Peabody with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in English and minoring in Mathematics. He was a teacher in the Metro County School system for a year and a half before making a career change. The majority of his career, he sold textbooks for Harper & Row Publishing Company and Macmillan/McGraw-Hill in the Tennessee county school systems. David was an avid fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteer athletic program and a frequent attendant of sporting events at the university. He was very interested in politics at all levels of government and was passionate about his patriotism. He was quick to say his children and grandchildren were his greatest accomplishments. His infectious smile and laugh will missed by everyone who knew him. David was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Ben Wakefield and Jim Wakefield. He is survived by his children Claire Custred (Glynn) of Gallatin TN, Hayes Wakefield (Angie) of Gallatin, TN, Wade Wakefield (Jennifer) of Nolensville, TN , and David Wakefield, Jr of Gallatin, TN.; grandchildren Abby and Carly Custred; Alex, Spencer, and Zachary Wakefield; and Maclaine, Lauren, and Camryn Wakefield. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 31 at 10:00 a.m. in Ramsey Hall at the First United Methodist Church in Gallatin, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be submitted at alexanderfh.info. Alexander Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.