David O. Taft

The Life & Legacy of Mr. David O'Neill Taft
August 1, 1954 – October 27, 2025
David Taft didn't just leave a mark, he left instructions, laughter, and a legacy.
If you ever had the honor of knowing David Taft, then you have the indelible mark of greatness. A man of rhythm, resolve, and witty charm, David lived a life of many chapters, each one layered with wisdom, wit, hard work, and a whole lot of love. He was a force, a fixer, a firecracker, and above all, a son, brother, faithful husband, father, uncle and friend.
David was born in Newport News, Virginia on August 1, 1954, to the late William "Buddy" and Martha Taft. He served his country during the Vietnam War, returning home with both visible and invisible scars that testified to his strength. After an honorable discharge, he worked as a logistical specialist for the government, then shifted into commercial fishing before becoming the most reliable "jack of all trades". From auto repairs to painting, carpentry, gardening, or remodeling a bathroom, if it needed doing, David did it well.
But what mattered most was home, the place where he shined the brightest. David was a provider, protector, storyteller, and comedian all in one. He didn't have to say much for you to feel his love. His faith was strong, his laughter contagious, and his culinary skills, OMG! Shall we discuss his pulled pork barbecue, his delicious cabbage, the breakfasts he would prepare; or should we remind you about his kitchen floor? If you wanted to piss him off, slide a chair across it,
David married Marcia in 1974, and for 51 years, she was his person, his rhythm and reason. Their marriage was sacred, stitched together with dance, devotion, faith, forgiveness, and fierce loyalty. They were partners in parenting, partners in faith, and partners through every twist life threw their way. They spoke in glances, laughed in sync, and weathered storms side by side. And even now, Marcia loves David just as fiercely as she did in life endlessly, unconditionally, and without pause.
David was a giver. He gave advice, gave his time, his tools, his home, and his last of whatever his fellow man needed. He didn't care about repayment, he cared about people. He was a man of integrity, with a spiritual foundation rooted in faith. He believed in service, sacrifice, and showing up. He was the kind of man who turned strangers into family. Whether you knew him for his hospitality, his dance moves, his one-liners, if you knew David Taft, you loved him.
His children Chiquita Jefferson, Catina Hinson (Jon), David Taft Jr., and April Taft whether he was teaching them how to change oil, perfect a pot of greens, or navigate life with backbone and boldness, he was always present, a hands-on, show-up, "what-you-need-I-got-it" kind of father. They will forever carry his hospitality, his humor, and his hustle. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Veronica Harris and son Jeremy, both of whom he now joins in eternal rest.
His grandchildren Tony, Herman, Dennis, Au'Honda, Joe, Jaedan, Jordan, Jade, and Tyler will carry forward his spirit, while a host of great-grandchildren will grow up hearing stories of his legacy, charm, and generosity.
David is survived by his siblings Iola Taft, Ann Moore, Willie Taft, and Wilma Taylor, each of whom will forever hold his memory close. He was preceded in death by his siblings William Taft, Betty Taft, Juanita Granger, and Mary Cook all of whom surely greeted him with love on the other side.
He further leaves behind a legacy that stretches wide to his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, out-laws, childhood friends, old coworkers, and folks who borrowed tools and never returned them. David was the kind of man who gave without keeping score. Whether it was his time, his advice, a hot meal, or his last "two dollas", if David had it, so did you.
He was truly one of one. The blueprint for how to love, how to laugh, and how to live with purpose. And though our hearts are heavy, we find peace knowing he left nothing undone; no love ungiven, no story unfinished.
So go ahead now, David. You've done more than enough. You showed up for us in all the ways that mattered. You were joy in motion, wisdom in work boots, and love made visible.
And now, as we carry your laughter, your grit, and your grace; we'll keep your light burning in all the places you once stood.