David A. McColley

David A. McColley, age 79, of Lithopolis, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord Saturday February 4, 2023, due to complications with open heart surgery. David was preceded in death by his parents, David and Ruth and his sister Jean and brother-in-law John. He leaves his beloved wife, of whom he was incredibly devoted to for almost 58 years, Patricia McColley; their children Robert Kimberly, David P McColley, Tammy (Joel) Simpson and Paul (Jovanni) McColley; their grandchildren Jacob Simpson, Makaila McColley, Ashleigh McColley, Hannah Simpson and Caden McColley, Taylor Cochran, Tatiana Holmes; their great grandchild Bentley Hazelwood; his sister Peggy (Jay) along with several nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
He enjoyed serving at Fellowship Baptist Church of which he was a member for more than 50 years. He drove a church bus for more than 40 years to bring children to church every Sunday despite the weather. He was a very faithful servant who believed and trusted in Jesus Christ with all his heart. He was a tremendous example to his family of what a husband and father should be. He leaves behind quite the legacy for all of us.
He was born in Gary, Indiana and his family moved to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri when he was 11. During their time there, Dave and his dad built a resort on the lake. They built their house and the cabins for the resort guests. It was a life that he talked about all the time. He had so many great memories from that time with his family. He enjoyed being on the water and in his boat which carried through his entire life. He loved to water ski and taught many vacationers to water ski.
He joined the Air Force right after high school as an aircraft radio repairman. Towards the end of his service, he met his wife, Patricia. Soon thereafter, they tied the knot on the base where he was stationed. It was love at first sight!
Dave's parents were devout Christians that left him a legacy that he carried on to his children and grandchildren. He would often talk about the integrity of his dad and tell stories about their time together and the mark his dad left upon him. His mom was the one with the firm hand and left her mark on him, too!
Dave loved being on the water. Every Saturday during the summers, he and his family would be at Alum Creek boating, swimming and just enjoying the water, the sun, and the time he spent with his family. They would pack a cooler which 99% of the time included bologna sandwiches, chips, cookies, and Kool-Aid to wash it down. He enjoyed taking friends out in his boat and would also boat with other friends that had boats.
He loved to talk to people even if he didn't know them. He never met a stranger and would always find something to chat about, at least for a few minutes. He had so many experiences and stories to share and was eager to do so. He truly lived a good life and invited many people into his circle to make new memories with. His laugh and smile drew you in and made you feel like an old friend, even if you just met him.
Dave also loves southern gospel music. He and Patricia rarely missed an opportunity to go to a southern gospel concert if it was within driving distance, and if food was a part of the venue, he'd be there! He was a toe-tapping Baptist that loved hearing people sing about the Lord and he was in his element when listening to these great songs.
He was an engaging man, but he was also a man of conviction. He did not compromise, and he stood for what he believed in. If you weren't sure how he felt about something, he'd be more than happy to let you know. He was a sincere, genuine man who was not playing a part, but he was the real deal. He believed in Jesus Christ, he believed in the Bible, and he believed in the church. He gave of himself, his finances, and his time so that others could come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Dave loved his family, church, and friends. There is no doubt about that. Anyone that knows him, can attest to this fact. He was a solid man of faith who was a pillar in his family, his church, and in his community. He was a man of action and not just talk. He made you feel safe, and people could draw from that strength. In the Bible we read of men upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rested. We can say that about Dave. The Spirit of the Lord was with him and upon him. We all have days where we struggle with our faith, but those days were few and far between for this wonderful man of God.
Visitation will be Monday, February 13, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fellowship Baptist Church, 4701 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232, where funeral service will be Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. Pastor Tony Liuzzo officiating. Interment will follow at Franklin Hills Memory Gardens in Canal Winchester, OH.