David Charles Cummings, Sr.

After a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, David Charles Cummings, Sr. passed peacefully on February 1, 2026 surrounded by his beloved family in Atlanta, Georgia.

A service in celebration of his life will be held Thursday, February 5th at 12:00pm at Trinity Episcopal Church.

David lived life to the fullest. His whole being exuded genuine gusto from his monogrammed shirts and signature bow ties to his spontaneity and visionary spirit.
No matter the challenges in life, he led with his strengths; his optimism, energy and ingenuity ruled the day. His imagination was both inspiring and unsurpassed. His gift for storytelling and sense of humor were charming. David never met a stranger and lived life at the edge of dance.

His heart and spirituality were girded by his love for nature. He was most at home walking creeks and wandering the woods, collecting rocks, marveling at stars and sky, and was known to say “I vote for the one who made the sun”.

David was born one of 5 children to Gloria Johnson Cummings and James Edwin Cummings, Sr. on June 10, 1951 in Columbus, Georgia. A lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church and resident of Columbus, David attended Columbus High School and served in the United States Army after high school graduation. He later earned his Bachelor’s in Business from Columbus State University. He began his professional life in banking before pursuing his life’s passion in real estate with the Paul McDougal, Co. David became a Commercial Real Estate Broker and was the president of the McDougal Company from 1990 to 2012. He served as a member of The Rotary Club of Columbus for many years.

He is survived by his five children, Wycliffe Cummings (Wendy) of Austin, Lucy Farmer (Edward) of Austin, David Cummings, Jr. (Rebecca) of Atlanta, Caroline Cummings Roman (Mackenzie) of Atlanta and Sally Cummings of Salt Lake City; six grandchildren, Harper and Tatum Cummings, Eleanor and Waylon Farmer, and Denton and Halsten Cummings; his two sisters, Sandra Cummings Charlton (Rick) and Melinda Cummings Strickland and sister-in-law, Gail Cummings. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by both of his brothers, Jimmy Cummings and Stevie Cummings, sister-in-law, Jane Cummings and brother-in-law, Phil Strickland.

We are deeply appreciative of the staff at The Waterford at Decatur and Guardian Angels Hospice. We are also extremely grateful for Dr. Nojan Valadi of East Alabama Medical Center and his guidance and support through this journey. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Trinity Episcopal Church, Columbus, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Atlanta.