David Carroll Hall

Captain David Carroll Hall, age 84 of Glendale, Florida passed away September 30, 2025, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. David was a lifelong resident of Walton County and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. David was born December 23, 1940, in Portland, Florida to the late William Frank Hall and Annie Dora Hall. In 1958 David enlisted in the United States Army, deploying to Korea to serve in the 70th Engineer Battalion during the Korean Conflict. When he returned home David began a career on the inland waterways, reaching the rank of Captain that he held for over 40 years. In 1970 David married Effie Nelson, and they spent 55 years building a life full of love and memories together. David took pride in everything he did, especially his work, winning many awards throughout his career for having a flawless safety record. Being a tow boat Captain allowed David to do the thing he loved the most, providing love and support for his family. After retiring, David could often be found fishing on the Choctawhatchee River with his friends or grandsons. David never met a stranger and loved to bet $3 on anyone who went fishing with him, ($1 for the first fish, $1 for the most fish, and $1 for the biggest fish). If you watched him closely you might catch him slipping his biggest catch back into the water because he truly enjoyed seeing his fishing buddies win the bet. When he wasn't fishing David loved to spend time at home with his two best friends, Dottie and Cricket, or having crawfish boils, always inviting those he loved to join in. David had a special gift of making anyone who came to visit feel like they were the highlight of his day, you were always greeted with warmth and never made to feel unwelcome. David often joked with anyone who came to visit "Don't beat on my door, it didn't do anything to you!" He loved his family and dedicated his entire life to ensuring that they were always cared for.

David is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and three sisters.

David is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Effie; his children, Sharon Hall, Mary, Dianna, and David Nelson, Sr.; grandchildren, David Nelson, Jr, Summer Madrid, Shelbie Madrid, Joseph McKenzie, Jacob Nelson (Jaden), and Levi Nelson; great-grandson, Zayden Madrid; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Those asked to serve as pallpearers are Levi Nelson, Donnie Bengston, Billy Scott, Johnny Scott, Joseph McKenzie, and Ricky Spence.

Honorary pallbearers will be Clarence Nelson, Louis Redmon, Tommy Cook, Jerry Nelson, and Joey Barnes.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 6, 2025, in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 State Highway 83 North, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jacob Nelson and Minister Joel Davis officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Committal will follow at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery in DeFuniak Springs. Flowers are being accepted.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.