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DAVID CASE Obituary
Dr. David Allen Case, an adjunct professor of English and Literature at Santa Fe College, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 3 in Gainesville. He was 49.
Dr. Case was born in Birmingham, Ala. He earned a B.A. in English from the University of Alabama in 1982, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from UCLA in 1992. Before moving to Gainesville in 2007, he taught at Los Angeles City College and Pasadena City College.
In addition to his teaching, Dr. Case was a published author, and his poetry has appeared in many publications. He was also a classical pianist and piano instructor and performed with chamber music groups while living in California. He was a member of the United Church of Gainesville where he sang in the choir. He formerly attended Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Gainesville.
He is survived by his sister Susan Kirkland (Gary) of Gainesville; sister Flora "Pat" Maize of Mount Olive, Ala.; sister Nancy Weaver (Jim) of Hueytown, Ala.; brother Mark Case of Birmingham, Ala.; and brother John Case (Linda) of Daphne, Ala. He's also survived by nieces Valerie Maize, Lisa Johnston (Butch), Dana Weaver, Sara Mott (Travis), and Lauren Sweeting (Matt). He is survived by nephews Steven Case (Amanda), Brian Weaver, John Paul Case, and Adam Kirkland (Genevieve). He was preceded in death by his parents John and Lena Belle Case of Gardendale, Ala. He leaves behind dozens of friends all over the world.
A memorial service at the United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Ave., will be held February 15th at 5 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for DAVID CASE
Ella Hood
June 4, 2011
My heart goes out to his loved ones..I knew him as a kind & gentle spirited classmate. Ella Shelton Hood
Tom Jacobson
April 27, 2011
When we were living in the graduate dorm at UCLA almost 30 years ago, David brought us air guitar, Leontyne Price, and found poetry:
"Do not back up
Severe tire damage"
His quiet wisdom, subversive humor, and looks of alarm kept us Southern boys in line.
Lonni Nash
April 26, 2011
David was my Freshman English teacher at UCLA more than 20 years ago. I still have keen memories of him; he was a smart, gentle person with a surprisingly sharp wit under the mild demeanor. I can't believe he died so young, and am very saddened to hear of his death. Also sad that I didn't learn of it until now, late April, through an old mutual friend. Wherever you are, David, I hope you know that a lot of people you've probably forgotten have never forgotten you, and send their warm wishes out to your spirit.
Joe Ponepinto
February 25, 2011
Although I never met David in person, we communicated several times regarding his contributions to the Los Angeles Review. His intelligence and likability were clear even in these brief exchanges. I regret I didn't have the opportunity to chat with him face-to-face; I am sure we would have been friends.
herbert roy
February 9, 2011
I cant believe he is gone. I will miss the awesome discussions I have had with him over sunday morning breakfast about everything from theology to third world life. He truly had friends all over the world. I have not met a more sensitive, deep person. Gone way too soon. The world will be a lesser place without him.
February 8, 2011
I had the great fortune of working with David at Los Angeles City College. I cherish all my memories of talking about poetry, music, just the world in general. He was so brilliant and kind and funny. I missed him when he left for Florida, and I was so glad when he found me again on Facebook.
God Bless you, David. We'll miss you always.
Jocelyn
Jeff R.
February 8, 2011
I was a student of Mr. Case several semesters ago. Of all the English teachers I've ever had, he was the only one that ever took the time to actually give feedback on my work. I learned more in his class than I did anywhere else at Santa Fe. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Kirby B.
February 8, 2011
I was a student of David's and was shocked to know what had happened.I will miss him as well as everyone else knew him. I didn't know him that long, but he was a great teacher.
February 7, 2011
We were so sorry to hear about David. Ray talked to Pat this afternoon. Sorry we won't be able to come to the Memorial Service. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Ray & Phyllis Payne
Brea Archer
February 7, 2011
David case a good man. He was my teacher at santa fe college for a very short period of time.i enjoyed him for that time but now he's home and is able to re-connect with his mom and dad. My prayers go out to the case family!! RIP david case
Paul Willis
February 7, 2011
I knew David over several recent years as part of a monthly poetry group in Santa Barbara. He would make the 90-mile drive from Los Angeles each month just to be with us, to share his exquisite poetry, and to offer his just critiques of our own.
My keenest memory of David is an argument we once had over who was the better poet, Wordsworth or Byron. David upheld the supremacy of Byron with a passion that amazed me. Just last week, not knowing David had died, I told my students about this conversation and urged them each to find a poet that meant as much to each of them as Byron meant to David Case.
So, David, in the spirit of reconciliation, this from Byron, in one of his more Wordsworthian moments:
"My altars are the mountains and the ocean,
Earth, air, stars,—all that springs from the great Whole,
Who hath produced, and will receive the soul."
Peace to your memory.
Barry Spacks
February 7, 2011
I knew David as a fellow poet in our Santa Barbara monthly group. He added a kindly, learned, demanding voice to our discussions and a dashing wit and sophistication to more incidental contacts. His musicianship was also greatly valued -- he played piano at one of the gigs of our local Old Standards band.
Such a loss at so young an age, the loss of a truly Bright Spirit.
Rebecca Dye-Ellison
February 7, 2011
David was one of my dearest friends in those awkward, frequently unkind teenage years. He accepted me, although our outlook on life was quite different. He was a compassionate,kind,and wonderfully witty friend.I am so saddened to hear of his passing, and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Hartman
February 7, 2011
We appreciate David for his creativity and wit,his musicianship, and sharing French white wine with us.
Yvonne Salze
February 7, 2011
David was by far the smartest one in our class and I had no doubt he would go far in life. I always looked forward to Fridays as he would play the piano for us which was written by names we could barely pronounce at the time. I'm so thankful I got to re-connect last year with you, my dear David.
Michael Griffith
February 7, 2011
David's was a beautiful character. He exhibited remarkable integrity, along with his talents for music, poetry, literature and teaching. We were housemates, coworkers, off and on, and throughout, and, most important, friends, for twenty years. His compassion, gentle manners, fabulous wit and intellect will be keenly missed. These we were privileged to have enjoyed,and we shall continue to benefit from these. David, you surely knew someting of how much you contributed to so many people's lives. We shall miss you always.
Carolie Parker
February 6, 2011
David was an outstanding poet and fine musician who combines many qualities that are rare to find in just one person. A colleague and fellow grad student, he was a dear friend for over 25 years. His wit and extraordinary learning made this world a richer place to live in. Fare well, David--Carolie Parker, Los Angeles, California
anne seraphine
February 6, 2011
David was a gentle soul, who generously shared his passion for poetry, art, and music with me and many others. I shall miss his wit and sense of repartee and deep sense of compassion.
Mark Carpenter
February 6, 2011
David was a fine man. I am grateful to have known him . Always, always a great guy to be around. He will be missed. His memory will always be one of my fondest.
Michael Acker
February 5, 2011
I have nothing but the fondest memories of the time spent with David all those years ago. His was a gentle spirit that often seemed at odds with some of the more outspoken members of our dormitory. Yet that gentleness provided a necessary balance and harmony that would have been missing otherwise. He will be missed.
Loretta Weninegar
February 5, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about David. I have fond memories of teaching him in his high school chemistry class at Berney Points. Your whole family will be in my prayers.
Greg Hanners
February 5, 2011
One of my first, best friends when I came to the University of Alabama. Being his friend helped me be a better person.
Charlotte Bennett
February 5, 2011
Mrs. Maize and Valerie,
My prayers are with you and your family.
Charlotte Schatz Bennett
Steve Butler
February 5, 2011
A fine man. A rare blend of passion with intellect, humility with courage, shyness with puckish humor, and personal integrity with compassion.
Karen Madden
February 5, 2011
I am inspired by the unique style and humor Dr. Case brought to the understanding of Literature. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family. Karen Madden, Spring 2011 Student
Lyle Massey
February 5, 2011
We are so shocked to hear of David's untimely death. Keith talked to him on the phone only a month ago. We are so sad that we had no chance to say goodbye. He was an old
Bob and Pennie
February 5, 2011
Susan and Gary,
We were shocked to hear about David's death. We'll cherish our memories of him as one of the gentlest people we know. Our condolences to you and your family over this tragic loss. Pennie and Bob.
Jan
February 5, 2011
I am so sorry to hear the tragic news about David. My condolences to the family. May the Peace of God, thru prayer guard their hearts and their thoughts as they cope without him.
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