David L. Moritz

David L. Moritz
August 31, 1935 - August 17, 2021
Arlington, Texas - David L. Moritz went home to the Lord on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, following a brave battle with cancer. A man of deep faith, David was surrounded by family, holding the hand of his beloved wife Becky, as he peacefully entered into eternal rest.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2100 N. Davis Drive in Arlington, Texas. Observing pandemic precautions, no visitation or reception will be held, mask are mandatory.
David Moritz was a man of few words. Some would say he was quiet. Soft spoken. But when David spoke, everyone listened. His words always held weight. In meetings, David would sit quietly. Listening, observing, as others would opine on whatever the topic might be. He rarely offered an immediate opinion. Instead, he would thoughtfully mull over all he heard, before sharing his thoughts, And when he did, everyone listened. Merely by his presence, David owned a room. He never liked that. He wanted to be in the background. On the periphery, unobserved. But his dignified demeanor, his bearing, his surfer tan against his shock of white hair never allowed for obscurity. Try as he might, David could never fade into the background. But he tried. Oh, how he tried. David Moritz was the definition of humble. He wanted no recognition. No reward. No attention. Beneficiaries of his largesse approached him repeatedly with requests to acknowledge his generosity by attaching his name to their project, but he always politely declined. Because humility was the hallmark of David's character. Once, the Star-Telegram's editorial board voted to bestow the honor of "Man of the Year" on David. A naive newspaper reporter bravely called to give him the good news and set an appointment for an interview and photograph, but he politely declined the award.
David's work ethic was above reproach. He started his career in the automotive business as a repo man – the guy who goes out and tows your car when you don't pay your bill. Though his height and physique made him perfect for this unsavory job, his empathic heart was not well suited. Ironically, his decision not to take a car from a family that had fallen on hard times is what brought him to the attention of Bob Moore, who was the king of Oklahoma car dealerships in the 1960's. Bob heard the story and asked to meet the brazen young man who on his own decided not to bring back that car. After hearing David's first-hand account, Bob hired him on the spot as he recognized David had the rare gift of discernment. Bob Moore grew to become a beloved mentor and friend to David; and David grew to be Bob's protegee. David went to work for Bob and soon made his mark as the "finance guy" in Bob's automobile empire. David had a way with numbers. He understood them. He was quick to spot anomalies in numbers just as he was quick to spot opportunity. He valued the sophisticated computer-generated analytics others provided on his various investments, but it was the simple handwritten ledgers he personally kept that he relied on and trusted. At the behest of Bob Moore, in 1972 David, Becky and their five kids moved to Arlington, Texas. Bob put David in charge of a brand spanking new Cadillac dealership. David had never once sold a car; remember, he was the finance guy. So, on the eve of one of the biggest gasoline shortages in the history of this country, David bravely opened a dealership selling luxurious gas guzzling cars that no one wanted. On more than one occasion during that time David said he wanted to give up. He called Bob Moore and offered to step aside. In his wisdom, Bob encouraged David to stick with it. So, he did. Working harder and smarter around the clock to provide for his family.
David touched innumerable lives during his 50 years in Arlington, though most will never know because he did so anonymously. Whenever David learned of a family or person in need, he would step up and quietly help. No doubt, he was a tough-minded businessman, but he also had a tender heart.
He grew to be a major philanthropist in Arlington. He believed strongly in investing in the community in which he lived and did business. He would tell you that Arlington was good to him and his family, and in turn, David was very good to Arlington.
David believed in grace. He was known for giving folks second chances. Experience taught him that sometimes a second chance might come back to bite him, but nonetheless, he steadfastly advised that one should never give up on people. "Invest in people. Believe in people. Five in a row might let you down, but the sixth may lift you up. Never give up on people."
David led by example. He helped shape the character of many who worked with him and worked for him. Indeed, through his leadership and financial gifts, he helped shape the landscape and character of the City of Arlington. He was committed to excellence in everything he did. He was a man of the highest integrity who placed great value on loyalty – his loyalty to you and your loyalty to him. He always made himself available to listen, to counsel, or simply console.
He enjoyed the thrill of navigating fast boats on the open waters, just as he enjoyed the slow pace of driving a tractor through the fields. He had a healthy respect for the great outdoors and relished his time in the sun whether it was work or play.
He had a devilish sense of humor and a servant's heart. His fingerprints are all over Arlington, Fort Worth, and beyond. He was a quiet benefactor to countless causes and organizations, giving generously of his time, his wisdom, and his financial support. He abided by and often quoted the scripture; To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). He lived by this canon. Some might say David was a self-made man. But I think he would deny that. He was a man of quiet, deep faith who deflected recognition, admiration, and praise. He wanted no part of that. To God goes the glory.
David is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Evangelist Moritz, his 2 brothers Stan and Tom Moritz and his sister Alberta Ulrich. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Rebecca Reichenberger Moritz; his sister-in-law Jeanne Moritz; brother JR Moritz and his wife Cheryl; his 5 children and their spouses Michelle and Keith Paris, Jenifer and Tommy Summers, John David and Leslie Moritz, Kris and Mark Bradford, Julie and Chad Stafford; his 15 grandchildren Amanda, Ashley and Molly Paris; Jason Sebastian and Paige Hathaway; Kristen Sebastian; Sara and Kate Summers; Meg and Anna Moritz; Cole, Andee and Sam Bradford; Jackson, Ben, and Nicholas Stafford; one great granddaughter Presley Sebastian. Memorial donations can be made to Mission Arlington, Arlington Life Shelter and River Legacy Science Center.