David Franklin Ginn

David Franklin Ginn passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on January 31,
2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He leaves a legacy defined by
devotion to family, leadership in business, service to his country, and a life lived with
passion and purpose.

Born on January 28, 1940, in Jacksonville, Florida, David grew up in Gainesville and
graduated from P.K. Yonge. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1961 to
1963 aboard the USS Independence. Following his military service - and a brief
adventure in California to pursue an acting career in Hollywood, an idea he wisely
abandoned - he attended the University of Florida. There he met the love of his life,
Judith Lesawyer. They were married on April 25, 1964, beginning a beautiful
partnership that spanned 62 years. Their marriage was the foundation of his life and his
greatest source of pride.

David began his professional career with Gainesville City Bank and went on to build a
distinguished career in mortgage banking. He started in St. Petersburg with Stockton
Whatley Davin & Company (SWD), where he rose to Senior Vice President and moved
his family to Jacksonville. While advancing his career, he earned the Certified Mortgage
Banker designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association. In 1986, he completed his
Master of Business Administration at Jacksonville University (JU).

That same year, David co-founded Florida HomeLoan Corporation, serving as CEO
from 1986 to 1997. During this period, he remained active in the Mortgage Bankers
Association of Florida, serving as President from 1997 to 1998. He generously shared
his knowledge with others, teaching Real Estate Finance as an adjunct professor at JU.
After retiring from Florida HomeLoan, he created The Mortgage Institute to train
individuals pursuing careers in the mortgage industry.

The professional wisdom David carried throughout his life - first given to him by his
father - was beautifully simple: "Always love what you do." He passed those same
words on to his daughter, who lives by them in her own pursuits and shares them with
others, continuing the legacy.

David had a strong sense of community. He actively supported Parc Centers for
Disabilities in St. Petersburg, especially through fundraising efforts. He also coached
baseball, cheering on his son's activities with encouragement and pride.

His interests stretched far beyond his work. Throughout his life, he loved fishing,
hunting, running, playing basketball, and all things sports related, especially the New
York Yankees. A passionate car collector, he appreciated the craftsmanship and
history. His loyalty to the University of Florida ran deep. A football season ticket holder beginning in 1967, he spent countless game day Saturdays in Gainesville surrounded by family and friends, a tradition he treasured.

Above all, David was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his
daughter, Laura; his son, Michael (Nicole); two granddaughters, Livia Skye and
Leighton; four step granddaughters, Michelle, Emma, Marley, and Bailey; one
grandson, Dryden; and a great grandson, Psalm. He is also survived by his sisters,
Nancy Cherry and Dalzell McDilda; brother-in-law, Edward Knight (Kristen); and many
nieces and nephews, he loved spending time with, encouraged often, and occasionally
teased relentlessly.

He will be remembered for his strength, integrity, loyalty, the deep love he carried for his
family and the Florida Gators, and a quick wit that kept everyone smiling.

His legacy endures in the lives he touched and the traditions he built.

A celebration of David's life is being planned for early spring in Jacksonville.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of David Franklin Ginn, please click here to visit our sympathy store.