David James Shives Sr.

David James Shives, Sr. 92 of Tampa, Florida, went home to the Lord the morning of October 24, 2024. David was born in Yadkinville, North Carolina on October 3, 1932, to Vassie Mae Marsh and Marvin Hamilton Shives. He had two sisters, Dorothy Marie Woodruff and Nancy Jane Tuttle. David attended Spencer High School, and in 1953, enlisted in the United States Air Force. While attending boot camp in San Antonio, Texas, he met his sweetheart, Sophia Silva. They were married on April 4, 1953, in Salisbury, North Carolina.

He served in the Korean Conflict early in his career. While serving in the military, he and his family lived in various cities, including Europe. He retired from the U.S. Air Force with over twenty years of service in 1974. David was very proud of his Air Force career. Additionally, he enjoyed working part-time as a manager in the Sears Roebuck and then the Montgomery Ward’s Automotive Departments. After his military retirement he became the Fleet Manager for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department in Tampa. He loved working with this brotherhood. He celebrated his second retirement in 1994.

David never met a stranger! He would often extend his hand to shake another’s as he’d say, “Don’t I know you?” He was an active and dedicated Deacon at Ballast Point Baptist Church and later, Port Tampa Baptist Church, both in Tampa. David loved the Lord and his church. He shared his talents as a Sunday School Director and Finance Committee Chairman. He remained active in the church for most of his life.

David was predeceased by his wife, Sophia of 62 years in 2015 and son-in-law, Ernie Casares in January.

He is survived by his three children Patricia (Ronald) Laws, Yvonne Casares, and David, Jr. (Laura) Shives. Popi is grandfather to Tavie Hamilton (Kimberly) Laws, Mary-Elizabeth (D.J.) Fuentes, Analisa Noel (Randall) Clark, David Joseph (Erika) Shives and Ryan James (Amanda) Shives as well as great grandfather of nine: Connor, Olivia, Mila, Ethan, Declan, Ivy, Casper, Ledger, and Rutledge.  He is also survived by his spouse, Carolyn Johnson Shives.

David’s service will be held at Trading Ford Baptist Church, 3600 Long Ferry Rd, Salisbury, NC 28146, on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 am. Interment and will take place at the Shives family burial plot on the grounds of the church cemetery with military honors conducted by Lyerly Volunteer Joint Services Honor Guard. Officiating will be Pastor Mike Motley.

A gathering will be held afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in Tampa on a later date.

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