David George Puddington

OBITUARY FOR DAVID GEORGE PUDDINGTON
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a remarkable man, who touched the lives of all those fortunate enough to know him. David George Puddington, 95 of Gainesville, GA, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at the home of his son Jim (Jeanne), leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and cherished memories that will forever resonate in the hearts of his family and friends.
Born July 9, 1928 in Canton, Ohio, Dave was the son of the late George Puddington and the late May Warjon Puddington. Dave graduated from Canton-Lehman High School in 1946 where he once interviewed Jim Thorpe for the school newspaper. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan College in 1950 where he played varsity football and basketball. He married his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Jean Hinton Puddington on August 30, 1952 in Bexley OH, at Christ Lutheran Church. He joined the U.S. Navy and became a commissioned officer upon the successful completion of Naval Flight School in Pensacola, FL. He served in Korea during the Korean War flying the Martin PBM Mariner. He was awarded two Air Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
After his military service, Dave became a high school teacher and football coach in Dayton, Ohio. He went on to become an assistant football coach at Kent State University, then to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri as the head football coach. Dave returned to KSU as the head coach of the Golden Flashes where he served at the time of the campus shootings. His claims to fame while at KSU include recruiting both Jack Lambert and Nick Saban to play there. After his coaching career, Dave went on to work in continuing education and higher education. He worked in the advancement office at Ohio University and then served as Vice President of College Advancement at West Virginia Wesleyan College, SUNY Morrisville, NY and Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, New Jersey before retiring.
Dave participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was a member of the American Legion, faithful participant in blood donations, served as Chairman of the Town of Eaton in Madison County, NY, participant in numerous voluntary community activities and member of various community churches as Dave and family lived in seven different states.
In 2000, Dave was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Washington University (St. Louis) for coaching football. He remains the winningest coach by percentage at that institution. In 2004, David was inducted into the Ohio Wesleyan University Hall of Fame (his alma mater) for playing football. At Ohio Wesleyan, Dave was a two way starter in football at center/linebacker, and a captain his senior season. He was also a 4-year member of the basketball team.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his wife Jean and his daughter Linda Ann Puddington.
Mr. Puddington, who was a devoted husband and loving father, is survived by sons, James Michael Puddington (Jeanne) of Gainesville, GA, Stephen Robert Puddington (Patrice) of Beaver Falls, NY; daughter, Shannon Marie Puddington of Sprakers, NY; and lovingly known as Papa by his grandchildren, James, Matthew, Ryan, Rebekah, Paul (Meredith), Meghan, Emma, Heather, Lance and great grandchildren, Elias and Caleb.
The Puddington family would like to thank Natalie Martin and Kathy Hazellief and the entire team of Inspire Hospice for their exceptional care for not only Dave, but for the entire family as well. Also, a very special thank you to Jordan Moses and Jeannie Adkins who lovingly cared for Dave on a daily basis in the Puddington home.
Dave was so much more than any award received or accolade given. He never met a stranger and he always lifted up and rooted for the underdog. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and cherished memories that will forever resonate in the hearts of his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service for both Dave and Jean will be held in Lowville, New York at a later date.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
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