David C. Bey

David C. Bey was born March 11, 1957 the second of 10 children to the late Joseph H. and Esther A. Bey in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. David was educated in the city of Philadelphia and served his country in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer from 1974 to 1979. However, he was best known for his career as a professional boxer. David was an outstanding amateur boxer trained by Bobby Lewis. He competed on the U.S. All Army Boxing Team. David made his professional debut in 1981, defeating future undisputed world heavyweight champion James "Buster Douglas by a second round knockout.  He built up a record of 14-0, becoming the first man to stop the durable veteran contender George Chaplin, as well as defeating WBA heavyweight champion Greg Page to capture the United States Boxing Association heavyweight championship. In March 1985 Bey was given a title shot by long-reigning IBF heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. After a strong start David was ultimately stopped by Holmes in the 10th round. David thrived on, and was matched against the likes of Trevor Berbick, James "Bonecrusher" Smith, Joe Bugner in Australia, Tyrell Biggs, Johnny DuPlooy in South Africa, Bruce Seldon, and Zeljko Mavrovic in Germany. Whether you know him as "Thunder and Lightning" "Big Bey" "The Hand Grenade" "Champ"  "The Dancing Bear", "Beijing Bey" or "LuLu" to know him was to love him. David had a heart of gold. He loved people and the people loved him! you had no choice really because if he knew you he loved you and if he did not know you he showed you love as if he did. David was the type of person that would go out his way to pay you a visit just to check on you because he genuinely cared. No matter if you were 25 or 105 you were a "young lady" and if you were a guy upon introduction he already had a nickname for you, "Bubba" or "Young Fellow", that's just the way it was.  David was a hard-working man and left this earth doing just that working. A devoted member of Local 454, he was initiated on November 21, 1980 as a pile driver. Whether he was called to the site or to the picket line he could be counted on. Two hip replacements couldn't even stop him from showing up most times an hour and a half before the start time proud, happy and eager to do his part. His life journey took many turns, which afforded him the opportunity to see the world and meet many.  Yet, the most important relationship he established along the way was with God. On June 20, 2010 David added to his family through Christ by joining Pilgrim Baptist Church lead by Pastor Dirk Spalding. If you spoke with David in recent years he enthusiastically let you know that Jesus Christ saved his life and in true David Bey fashion he would check on you to make sure that you were saved also. God told the Champ he no longer had to fight by calling him home September 14, 2017. He is survived by his daughter Leah Bey-Batie and step daughter Kyrstin Ellison; nine beloved brothers and sisters Joseph H Jr., Paul S., Amber, Mark J., Ruth M., Rachael H.,Daniel J., Rebecca L., and Thomas J; grandfather to Kiyen and Bryson Batie; father-in- law to Karon Batie; (4) nephews Michael Davis, Andrea Semple, Joseph Semple, and Cameron Bey; (4) nieces Latanya Bey, Blossom Davis, Ashley Bey, Angelica Bey (5) great nieces and (1) great nephew. In addition to family David leaves behind a slew of dear friends and his brothers from local 454. Relatives and friends are invited to David's Life Celebration Saturday, September 23rd, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 5930 Rising Sun Ave., Phila., PA 19120, followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, a donation in David's memory to Pilgrim Baptist Church would be appreciated. Family service by Dean-Geitner-Givnish Funeral Home. 1-800-GIVNISH