Dr. David Alan Washburn

David Alan Washburn, PhD
Born on October 5, 1961 in Birmingham, Alabama, David Alan Washburn died near Lookout Mountain, Georgia on January 24, 2025, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. David Washburn was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Derward and Connie Washburn. He is survived by his sister Karen (and Larry) Thaxton and her family. David is also survived by his beloved wife of more than 40 years, Catherine Anne (nee Childs), and their children: Joshua Daniel (and Alahna Watson) Washburn, Timothy David Washburn, Jonathan Paul (and Danielle, nee Tabor) Washburn, Rachel Washburn, and Julie (nee Van Winkle, and Dr. Tyler) Brumback. Grampy's crown (Proverbs 17:6) was also adorned with six precious and greatly adored grandchildren who survive him: Eliana, Annabelle, Benjamin, Malachi and Chloe Brumback and Wesley Washburn.
Washburn earned a B.A. in psychology in 1986 from Covenant College, and then the M.A. (1987) and Ph.D. (1991) degrees from Georgia State University in psychological sciences. He was blessed to remain at Georgia State University in post doctoral positions until appointed to the psychology faculty in 2000. He retired in 2019 as Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, having served stints as chair of the psychology department and, for 18 years, as director of its internationally renowned Language Research Center. The day after retiring from Georgia State, Dr. Washburn accepted appointment at the rank of Professor of Psychology at Covenant College, where he taught and conducted research until his death. Across his career, Dr. Washburn's research was federally funded for more than 30 consecutive years, generated over 200 publications, and resulted in two books. He was privileged to mentor dozens of outstanding graduate students, and hundreds of talented undergraduates, and to collaborate with some of the most brilliant and creative scholars in his field.
Invitation to the Memorial Service
You are invited to a memorial service for DAVID ALAN WASHBURN, PhD, to be held on February 8, 2025 at Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church (90 Nick A Jack Lane, Flintstone, GA 30725). The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. following a memorial gathering at 10:00 a.m.
This is a home-going celebration of life, not a funeral. As such, and in light of Dr. Washburn's passion for sports, you are invited/but not required to wear the colors or attire of your favorite teams (yes, even orange if you feel compelled!)
Coffee and light snacks will follow in the fellowship hall.
PSALM 139 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up:
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word in on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
it is high; I cannot attain it.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church https://pushpay.com/g/cvbchurch
or to Covenant College https://app.securegive.com/CovenantCollege/covenant-college/donate/category
Condolences may be left at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Home Wilson Funeral Home Ft. Oglethorpe Ga.