Search by Name

Search by Name

David Garcia

David Garcia obituary

David Garcia Obituary

David Garcia, 65, of Collierville, TN, passed away peacefully at St. Francis Hospital – Memphis on Friday, October 31, 2025 surrounded by his family. David was the husband of Kathy (Thompson) Garcia. They were married for 35 years.

David was born into a military family at Fort Bragg, NC to Joseph A. Garcia and Kathleen M. (Butler) Garcia. The third of five sons, the family lived on Army bases throughout the U.S. and Europe Though their home changed often, his brothers' companionship never did. Those brotherly bonds endured throughout the rest of his life.

David spent most of his youth in the Clarksville, TN area. David was active in sports throughout his time at Northwest High School excelling in wrestling. Upon graduation in 1978, David enlisted in the US Air Force where he proudly served as a communications specialist in the U.S. and England for 4 years. After serving his country in the Air Force, David went through the rigorous process of becoming an Air Traffic Controller. Once completing his course work in Oklahoma, David moved to Memphis to have a very successful career in Federal Aviation Administration. It was in Memphis that he would settle down and raise his loving family.

David had many passions during his life. His family was always at the center of his world. A devoted family man, David and his wife Kathy raised their daughter Samantha in the Memphis area. They supported her through her time at Memphis University. David also enjoyed many hobbies. He restored Corvettes and would take them to shows. When not in the garage, David enjoyed playing golf with his brothers. He was a lifelong fan of the Tennessee Volunteers. David read innumerable books, loved Star Trek, and believed very strongly in the human soul. He spent a lot of time pondering the deeper meaning of life. He was far from your ordinary man.

David was preceded in death by his parents and brother Joseph. Surviving him are his wife Kathy Garcia; daughter Samantha Kathleen Kosciolek (Thaddeus); siblings, Alan Craig Garcia (Jan), Steve Wayne Garcia, and Michael Kevin Garcia, Sr. (Kathy and Michael Jr.). He was the loving grandfather of Stella Grace Kosciolek.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the nurses and staff of St. Francis Hospital - Memphis for the exceptional care and support provided.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Memphian on Nov. 10, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for David Garcia

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Bud Beer

Yesterday

I'm sad to hear of Dave's passing; we worked together for decades and I counted him a good friend and a good man. I never knew him to speak badly of anyone and he was always thoughtful and reasonable in conversations. My condolences for the family

Gator

Yesterday

So sorry I had lost contact with Dave since he left the FAA. Dave was the 1st person I knew that got an iPod. I remember he had loads of tunes on it and he'd let me listen to it when on break. We liked alot of the same music. Last time I saw him I believe we played golf. Super good guy....

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in David Garcia's name

Memorial Events
for David Garcia

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support David's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor David Garcia's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more