David Brian Standifer

TUSCALOOSA David Brian Standifer, 38, an employee of The New York Times Company, died on May 28, 2010, at home, following a brief illness. The funeral will be on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Darrell Garrett officiating and Sharon Standifer giving the eulogy. The burial service will follow at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. The family will receive friends this evening from 6-8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Born on July 14, 1971, in Tuscaloosa, he was the son of Karen and Robert L. Standifer, Tuscaloosa. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Robert Jeffrey Standifer, Tuscaloosa; his niece, Faith Elizabeth Standifer, Tuscaloosa; two aunts, Cynthia Ruiz-Fornells (Enrique), Tuscaloosa; and Andrea Coleman, Greenville; his uncle, James T. Standifer (Doris), Tuscaloosa; and eight first cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Porter Standifer, Holt; and Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Young, Tuscaloosa; his aunts, Katherine Standifer deVasher, Tuscaloosa; and Judy Giles, Fort Myers, Fla.; and his Aunt Andrea's husband, Toby Coleman, Greenville. He is also survived by his Aunt Katherine's husband, Henry deVasher, Spanish Fort; and his Aunt Judy's husband, Dr. Roy Giles, Fort Myers.

A 1989 graduate of Holt High School, Mr. Standifer was an art student at the University of Alabama, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic art in 1995, and his Master of Fine Arts degree in 1997. A high point of his graduate art studies was his highly acclaimed art exhibit at Clark Hall, focusing on family photographs and objects of personal sentiment acquired during his growing up.

From 1997-2008, Mr. Standifer was a graphic designer with Drake Printers, Tuscaloosa. In 2008, he was employed by The New York Times Company as a graphic artist, working at The Tuscaloosa News locale until his passing. In recent times, he also worked with Prestige Pools, Northport.

From 1990-2010, he was the popular host for a program on WVUA Radio called “'The Metal Zone' with Dave, the Metal Guy.” In 2009, the University of Alabama awarded him a certificate of recognition for his having hosted a UA radio music program longer than any other disc jockey. The award was also for his having mentored future music industry professionals, including disc jockeys. Since the late 1980s, he played drums in a local band known for its alternative rock, performing in Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas.

Mr. Standifer was a member of the Holt United Methodist Church, having joined in 1983. He appreciated and enjoyed his family and friends, metal music, photography, cats, birds and other members of the natural kingdom.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Lee, Joe Pritchard, Jeff Todd, Jim Standifer, Jr., Gary Standifer, Jim Bunnelle, Albert Arenas and Mike Clevenger.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Jones, “Lynam,” Sidney Johnson, Wendy Cochran Holman, employees of The Tuscaloosa News, employees of Prestige Pools and members of the Holt United Methodist Church.

The family suggests that any memorials be given to the Holt United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 40655, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404; to an animal protection or music charity of one's choice.