David Henry Goolsby, Sr., age 86, of Jasper, FL passed away on April 14, 2021 following a brief illness as a result of heart complications.

David was born November 17, 1934 to H.C. and Marie Wetherington Goolsby. A lifelong farmer and resident of Hamilton County, and a former county commissioner, David was affectionately known as Gook to those who knew him well. He was a character and always had an old story to tell or a joke up his sleeve – the punchline of which he would usually deliver in the middle of chuckling so hard by-standers would end up laughing at him instead of the joke itself. His sense of humor and favorite choice sayings accompanied his heart of gold.

In his younger years, he was a member of the Sherriff's posse and loved to ride horses in the Hamilton County Riding Club. David always believed in being honest, fair and doing the right thing. He was a hard worker and instilled a strong work ethic in his children – starting from their childhood summers spent alongside him in the tobacco fields. Although he retired from row-crop farming years ago, David converted the farm to hay fields and continued working each hay season for the rest of his years. When he wasn't on the tractor or riding around in his pick-up truck, he could be found kicked back in his recliner watching an old Western, Gunsmoke or a football game while snacking on a bowl of boiled peanuts or homemade strawberry ice cream.

David was quick to tell people how much he loved his family and how blessed he was to have a loving wife and the best children and grand-girls in the world. Staying true to their wedding vows, he and his wife of nearly 66 years, Marie, strived to honor each other through better and worse. She was a faithful caretaker of their home and children – and when her health declined in latter years, the roles reversed and he became her primary caregiver. David was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he attended faithfully with Marie until her health no longer permitted.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Scaff Goolsby; his parents; his brothers, Van and Dale Goolsby; sisters, Danese Goolsby and Sonya Fulmer; grandson, Justin Goolsby. Survivors include his sisters, Dorothy "Dottie" Lombardi and Vicki Fennell; Sister-in-law, Doreen Goolsby; two sons, David Goolsby, Jr. (Karen) and Clay Goolsby of Jasper; two daughters, Shari Boyette (Mike) of Live Oak and Kristi Combass (Dorrell) of Jasper; four granddaughters, Jennifer Watson (Jimmy) of Jasper, Adrienne Boyette of Live Oak, Leslie Ann Carroll (Aspen) of Jasper and Mackenzie Combass of Jasper; two great-granddaughters, Kyla Watson and Elsie Kate Carroll both of Jasper.

Graveside services were held at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery on Saturday, April 17 with Reverend Harold Reams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you honor David's memory by donating to Haven Hospice (6037 West U.S. Hwy 90, Lake City, FL. 32055) who provided end-of-life care to both he and his wife.

The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank-you on their and David's behalf to Rhonda Chapman who was a loving caregiver and assisted in providing the best care for his bride during her final years.