David B. King

David B. King, 79, went to be with his Creator after a short battle with cancer on Friday, December 18, 2020, surrounded by the family who adored him.

David was born and raised in Cookeville, TN, the son of educators Lester and Gusta. Even after many years as a Floridian, David remained ever proud of his Tennessee roots and retained some of his childhood colloquialisms, enjoying years of good-natured teasing from friends and colleagues.

After earning his bachelor's degree from Tennessee Technological University, David graduated from law school at Vanderbilt University, where he distinguished himself as an Editor of the Vanderbilt University Law Review. After law school, David completed a tour of duty in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine and then moved to Orlando, Florida to begin his legal career and start a family with his college sweetheart Marilyn (née McDaniel), a Central Florida native. David quickly established himself as one of the preeminent attorneys in Orlando and ultimately the State of Florida.

David was a brilliant litigator. Over a 55-year legal career, he handled complex commercial litigation, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in state and federal courts. Among his many accomplishments, David was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, president of the Orange County Bar, president of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Central Florida Chapter, and served on the Board of Governors of the Florida Bar. He was consistently recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer, and his colleagues in Orange County honored David when they selected him in 1994 as the inaugural recipient of the Bar Association's highest award for professionalism in the practice of law.

As a man of unbending professionalism, David became known for his consummate integrity and had a knack for turning his courtroom adversaries into lifelong friends and admirers. David was widely considered a premier practitioner, and throughout his career acted as a mentor and inspiration to scores of young lawyers, always taking the time to guide and encourage the next generation of attorneys.

David's most notable work was his many years serving as the lead attorney for the Fair Districts Coalition, a movement to end partisan gerrymandering in Florida. Under David's legal stewardship, Fair Districts successfully challenged the Congressional and State Senate maps, resulting in new district boundaries and ensuring a more representative government for millions of Floridians.

Though his military service and legal career rightfully earned David the respect and admiration of many, his greatest accomplishment was always that of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. David adored his wife, sons, and grandchildren and was known for attending every sporting or curricular event of his grandchildren, no matter how far-flung the location or extreme the temperature.

David and his sweetheart Marilyn were a love story for the ages. They shared the same values and interests and were each other's biggest fan. They loved to travel the world together, never tiring of learning about the culture, history, and politics of every destination. Wherever they were, they made time for David to indulge his passion for books and reading, visiting bookstores all over the world. After 56 years of marriage, they were still eternally devoted to one another.

David had deep commitment to his faith and was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, where he served as a member of the Session. He and Marilyn always strived to live out their beliefs in kindness and service to everyone, especially "the least of these." Though the King family is heartbroken to be temporarily separated from David, they take comfort knowing he is in the hands of the Lord and will one day be reunited with his loved ones in Heaven.

David is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn and sons Michael (Tammy), Chris (Kristen), and grandchildren Charlie, Mary Grace, and Luke. He is predeceased by his parents Lester and Gusta, and son David, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando on Tuesday, December 29 at 11am. All CDC protocols including wearing masks, social distancing, and one-way traffic will be observed. The service will also be streamed online at www.FPCO.org/funeral so all who wish to honor David may do so safely.

In lieu of flowers, the King family welcomes gifts in David's honor to Grace Medical Home at www.gracemedicalhome.org and the David B. King Memorial Scholarship at www.TheElevationScholars.org/DavidKing.