David Pilinski Obituary
David was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on December 16, 1965 to William & Mary Pilinski, both who preceded him in death. He had four siblings, Dorothy Whitlock, Margaret Locke, Tim Pilinski, and Mary Stough.
He and his wife, Sandi, were married for 38 years and resided in Lufkin, Texas. They had two children, Lindsay and Jeremy. Lindsay Cox, married to Rob Cox, and their daughter Renly, a.k.a his "sweet pea", was his only grandchild. Jeremy Pilinski, engaged to Becky Jones.
Dave had an incredible drive and work ethic from a very young age - putting himself through high school and college. His career in the live events and exposition industry took him across several companies, various roles, different states and even out of the country. He enjoyed the work, but more importantly he enjoyed connecting with people and helping them work through difficult problems to find better solutions - a true leader. He was always open to having a conversation and sharing his wisdom or advice to anyone who needed it. Most people would agree, if you engaged with him in some capacity, he left a positive impact.
Outside of work and travel, Dave loved to be outdoors on the lake or at the deer lease - not always to fish or hunt, but just to be out there and enjoy the quiet. He loved playing golf but was proof you don't have to be good at something to enjoy doing it. He kept the people around him laughing with his witty personality and sense of humor. He was a humble, loud, brutally honest kind of man who was always willing to lend a hand.
He was a son, a husband, a father and a PawPaw and he left the bar exceptionally high on every single one of those roles.
David passed away in August 2025 in Plano, Texas with Sandi, Lindsay and Jeremy by his side. We are honoring his wishes of no funeral service and will find ways to celebrate him as a family. If you knew him personally, we just ask that you take a moment and think about your favorite memory with him - laugh, cry, just think about him.
He will forever be in our hearts and memories as one of the best men we will ever know.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
10 Entries
Mary
Earlier today
I have fond memories of Dave from when he and Sandi lived across the street from us back in the 90s. He and Sandi were both young parents-Lindsey and Jeremy were really small back then. Dave and Sandi were great parents with precious children. Dave worked for my husband, Joe at Central Fright Lines. Even back then, Joe and I both knew Dave would be successful in anything he did. We were talking about opening our own business and I´ll never forget he used to tell me, "You gotta have money to make money". He always had a great business head. He was always a cut up and a delight to be around. Sandi and Dave were great neighbors. I lost Joe in May, 2024 to cancer and didn´t know Dave was sick until I heard he passed. I was so sorry to hear about it and will keep Sandi, Lindsey and Jeremy in my prayers. He was a good man.
Matt Harvieux
Yesterday
It was a privilege to work for David. He always supported me and was great to discuss ideas with sincerity and humor. We will miss him.
Tracy Henson
August 14, 2025
You will be missed Uncle David. Thank you for showing me genuine love. You truly were a good decent man. I love you.
Jill Carswell
August 14, 2025
Oh Lindsay, I am so very sorry for the loss of your apparently incredible dad. I had one, too, so it´s easy to identify. His obituary makes me feel I knew him.
He was so blessed to have a sweet daughter that adored him and a most precious " sweet pea"
Prayers for you and your family to continue cherishing memories with him
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Cindy Chatelain
August 14, 2025
Will always remember Dave and all the good times we had at the lake. Gone too soon. We will always love and cherish those memories. Our prayers are with you Sandi, Lindsey. and Jeremy
Jimmy Lane
August 14, 2025
Tristy and I will always remember Dave. When they moved into our neighborhood Dave was in between jobs. It was also wintertime. We didn't know them at all or really where they lived. Turns out they were 2 doors down from us. We would see him every night about dinner time. He wore this long trench coat, so he looked like a flasher. He would have a big glass of scotch and a big cigar. He would walk down to Pam and John's house and sit on the Transformer that was in their yard. Never will forget that. My wife thought this guy is a flasher or peeping Tom. Then we met Dave and you don't ever forget him. He and I are a lot alike. Brutally honest and up front. We rode motorcycles together and went for coffee every Sunday morning to Starbucks and solved all the world's problems. We've sort of lost touch and I'm really sorry about that. But with Dave that wouldn't of mattered. I would love to think that we would of picked right up where we left off. Dave was a good man and family man. We will miss him.
Kenlee Lansing
August 14, 2025
Forever the Boss man!
Zoe Byrne
August 14, 2025
I met Dave (and Sandi) while they were living in the UK. They quickly became my "regulars" at the jazz bar and I looked forward to seeing them each time. I will forever remember Dave for always smiling, his positive energy,his warm and friendly presence, he knew how to have fun, and of course for the way he looked after his lovely Sandi. My condolences to the family, prayers for this very difficult time x
MarkMiranda
August 14, 2025
So very sorry for your loss Sandi
Diane Cox
August 14, 2025
Definitely one of a kind, Dave, there is no way possible to ever forget him.
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