David Jon Gullickson

EDEN — Mr. David Jon Gullickson, 61, went to be with the Lord on May 20, 2010 with his wife, Naomi Roberson Gullickson and many other family and friends by his bedside.

David had fought a long and courageous battle for almost three years with liver disease and other medical problems.

The Service of Remembrance will be at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Reidsville. Entombment will follow at the Columbarium of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

David was born on January 17, 1949 in Deerfield, Wisconsin to the late Madeline Marie Richgels and Irving Arnold Gullickson. He was the youngest of three brothers. He proudly retired from the United States Air Force after serving for 20 years as a Technical Sergeant. His position allowed him to travel all over the United States and to numerous other countries. David helped to work directly with the F-15 fighter jet both here in the states as well as Germany and abroad. The F-15 fighter jet accompanies Air Force One when our Presidents travel.

David received numerous ribbons and awards for his service to the Air Force; NCO PME Grad Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon W/4 OLC; National Defense Service Medal; Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon; Air Force Excellence Award; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon; Air Force Achievement Medal; Air Force Good Conduct Medal W/5 OLC; and Air Force Training Ribbon.

David was a Disabled American Veteran. He was very active with the Disabled American Veterans in Madison, Wisconsin and was a lifetime member. David was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

While living in Madison, Wisconsin, David volunteered at different times with Hospice of Dane County.

David's favorite sport was NASCAR and he was a true supporter of Matt Kenseth, driver of car number 17, from Cambridge, Wisconsin. They were also personal friends. He was a true Green Bay Packer fan and all time quarterback Brett Favre. He was an avid reader. He enjoyed reading about the history of our country. He loved to play golf until his disability no longer allowed him to do so. David had a great love for music and has an extensive collection of music from around the world and music from here by our great singers in the United States.

David leaves behind his wife, Naomi Roberson Gullickson, whom he always referred to as "My Lady", a stepson, Fred Bailey, Jr.; his children, Mr. and Mrs. Troy (Diane Gullickson) Leaf of Byron, Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. Derek (Angie Gullickson) Price of Hartland, Wisconsin, Dawn Marie Gullickson of Madison, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Parker, Ryan, Austin and Ava Leaf, Anna Price and Leon Gullickson.

David is also survived by two brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Terry (Mary) Gullickson and "Miss Duchess" their dachshund, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas (Susan) Gullickson all of Deerfiend, Wisconsin; and his nieces and nephews, children of Tom and Susan.

David leaves behind some very close and personal friends here in Eden; his treasured brother-in-law, David Ezra Roberson who was with David and helped him so much during the last months of declining health; his father and mother-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Charles Roberson of Eden, brother-in-law, William Anthony Roberson, sister-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Nathaniel (Sarah Roberson) Cobb of Reidsville; niece, Caroline Stephanie Roberson and special niece, Little Miss Maya Grace Roberson, nine months old, who brought a smile to his face; his very dear friends, Mr. Tom Balsley of Reidsville, Mr. And Mrs. Don Gwarek of Reidsville, Mr. Harold Newman of Madison, Mr. Thomas Dunn, Mr. Gene Burns, Darell and Michelle Roberson and his very BEST friend as well as his doctor, Dr. Xaje Hasanaj.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Reidsville where David was a member; or to Hospice of Rockingham County, PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375.

David's wife would like to express her sincere thanks to Reverend Vicki Smith, rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church who has been so very faithful to David during his illness and was always there by his side; also to Hospice of Rockingham County, the staff of Morehead Memorial Hospital; and Rev. Linda Nye from Church of the Epiphany in Eden for her many visits and prayers.

A very special thanks is extended to Dr. Xaje Hasanaj, who was not only David's doctor but his very best friend who took such loving care of David. Because of this very special man, his love, care and devotion as a friend and doctor, David lived much longer than was expected.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.boone-reynolds.com.