David Ryan Winfrey

1977 - 2025

David Ryan Winfrey

November 20, 1977 - October 20, 2025

Morro Bay, California - David Ryan Winfrey, age 47, of Morro Bay, California passed away suddenly on October 20, 2025, in a tragic car accident. His family and friends are deeply shocked and devastated and were left completely unprepared.

David was born on November 20th, 1977, in Tampa, Florida to Beth Kaplon and Jimmy Winfrey. As part of an Air Force family, David lived in Florida, Japan, and Indiana before settling in Santa Maria, California. He attended Righetti High School, graduating in 1997. He loved to play basketball, and at 6'5" was perfectly suited to the sport.

To know David was to know all of him, raw and unfiltered, rare and unapologetic, goofy and opinionated, curious, caring, generous, and fiercely loyal. He never did or believed in anything that he didn't do all the way. There was never a person more genuine, authentic, or true to himself. He was one in a million, in his own words, un-boxable. His family said he marched to the beat of a drum that only he could hear, and all who were close to him would agree. He was a devoted father and loved music, animals, sports, nature, and the pursuits of health and truth.

David is survived by his parents Beth and Jimmy Winfrey. He leaves behind daughter Lynnea, stepdaughters Riana and Serena, wife Erin, brother Samuel, older sister Rachel (John) and younger sister Jae (Jake) as well as nieces and nephews Kade, Connor, Samantha, Kaili, and Sage.

If David was still with us, he would tell us to laugh loudly, hug firmly, discover new music daily, eat organic, shop local, and never forget to pet a cat, dog, or donkey when you see one.

Contributions in David's memory may be made to Woods Humane Society.

A celebration of life will be held November 9, 2025, at The Penny in San Luis Obispo at 664 Marsh Street, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.