Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA

Obituary For David Span, Sr.

The funeral services for the late Deacon David Span, who departed this life on Friday, July 12, 2024, will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. from the First African Baptist Church in Sylvester, Georgia. Burial will follow in the Shepard Memorial Garden in Sylvester, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the Shipp's Funeral Home Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home Page.

David (aka Candy, aka Dada) Span was born January 4, 1931 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Ollie and Mamie Wade Span in Sylvester, Georgia. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, and was a member of Zion Grove Baptist Church, where he served as an ordained Deacon for many years.

David has always been a strong loving father, hard worker, provider, historian, a giver, and a man that took BEING A MAN as a great honor. He was known for cooking the best boiled peanuts, which most people had the opportunity to enjoy during a football game or any social event. He was featured in local newspapers, National Geographic magazine, interviewed via reporters from various television stations across the United States, and was photographed with customers that visited from various states as well as various countries.

David was excellent at maintaining a beautiful garden, which he shared with the friends and family. One of the best turnip varieties that he grew was named Just Right. He grew sugar cane and made cane syrup that was delicious with hot buttermilk biscuits. The endless supply of fresh vegetables always brought smiles to faces. Moreover, David suggested that we all take care of God’s Land and enjoy what God has given us.

On July 12, 2024, the Lord summoned David to come and get on board that Glory Bound Train. He was preceded in death by his wife Alma Lee Span, parents, Ollie and Mamie Span, one son, Willie Lee Span, one daughter, Shirley Denise Span, four brothers and two sisters.

David leaves to cherish his memories his six sons: David Span, Jr. (Willie Mae) of Jacksonville, Florida, Freddie James Span, Robert Span, both of Albany, Georgia, Larry Span, Johnny Mack (Yatesha) Span, both of Sylvester, Georgia, Terry Span (Barbara Ann) of Mobile, Alabama; two daughters, Mamie Lee Benard , Barbara Lynn Span-Gaines (Samuel), both of Albany, Georgia; sisters, Annie Bell Williams, Ruthie Mae Peavy, both of Miami, Florida; and a host of grand-children, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins and friends.

Guest Book

Job well done. Rest in peace granddaddy. -Disha

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With deepest Sympathy! Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Darlene Benard & family

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Sending our deepest condolences and prayers to the family.

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I was the youngest grandchild of my Grandfather for a long time. I remember stopping by, hanging out with him while he sold fruits and peanuts at the stand on the side of the highway. I remember sitting in his lap steering the tractor in the watermelon fields. And i remember picking strawberries with him next door to his home. I would always make his favorite, pecan pie for his birthday and Thanksgiving. I remember keeping it a routine to call him every Sunday after i moved away after marrying a service member. The vet last time i spent with him, he drove my husband and i to a sugar cane field where they made sugar cane syrup. We stayed there for hours. The entire time, he had a huge smile on his face. After he got sick, i couldn't talk to him much as i used to. And i unfortunately won't be in attendance for his homegoing. But if i could say just one more thing to him, it'll be, I'm so sorry I won't be able to properly say goodbye to you Granddad. I hope you're gonna be watching over us. Including your great grandchild who will be coming in February. I love you forever and always.

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MY DEEPEST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND STRENGTHEN YOU ALL DURING THIS TIME.... KIVETT MILTON

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Condolences to the family!! Henrietta Graham

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My Deepest Condolences and Prayers for the Family.May God Bless you all. Willie & Rose Mccullors Sutton.

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I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Span. He and I share a granddaughter I believe he's her great granddaughter and she's my granddaughter. Upon visiting with him and introducing myself he treated me like he had known me for years. Asked if I liked peas tomatoes and so on carried to his garden and started filling the bags. It was like shopping at a vegetable stand free of charge. He truly blessed me on our very first meeting. I pray for peace and comfort to this family!

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Freddie/Family you are in our thoughts. Corvias/ABAC Eric, Crystal, Bill, Lawrence

- Crystal DeMaranville

I was honored to be a neighbor of Mr. Span for many years. I could see him through the trees working in his garden, which was always beautiful. I don't believe there was a harder working, humble, and friendly person than he was. Condolences to the remaining family. May you have peace and comfort in the days to come. It was truly a privilege to have known him. The Tony and Marcia Johnson family.

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Sending our deepest condolence to the Span family may our heavenly father wrap his loving arms around the family giving them peace and comfort today and weeks to come love from the Johnson Napier and Hunter family

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA