David Wofford

1954 - 2025

David Scott Wofford, 70, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 14, 1954, in Starkville, Mississippi, to Ralph "Scottie" Wofford and Edith Thomas Wofford.

David graduated from Starkville High School in 1972 and went on to earn a B.S. in Turf Grass Management from Mississippi State University in 1976. While at MSU, he met the love of his life, Helen Hodge. After a short courtship, they were married on August 20, 1977, in Greenwood, Mississippi. David later pursued graduate studies, earning his Ph.D. from New Mexico State University in 1983. Together, he and Helen built a family that became his greatest joy: their son Jefferey Scott, born in Las Cruces, NM in 1982; son Zane Daniel, born in Laramie, WY in 1984; and daughter Jessica Faye, born in Gainesville, FL in 1988.

Professionally, David was a dedicated scholar and teacher. He was a tenured professor in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Florida, where he spent nearly 20 years focusing primarily on genetics research. His work centered on plants-most notably white clover-and culminated in his creation of a genetically modified four-leaf clover, a fitting legacy for a man who spent his life pursuing curiosity and discovery. Outside of academia, David lived a full and varied life. In his younger years, he was an avid golfer at the Starkville Country Club. He loved reading both novels and political journalism, and he enjoyed working with his hands in his Florida garage turned woodworking shop.

A true Southerner, he rarely missed a college football game on TV. In his later years, David found joy in painting, appreciating art, watching television, and most of all, spending time with his beloved grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Helen (2024); his father, Ralph "Scottie" (2012); and his mother, Edith (1992).

He is survived by his three children: Jefferey (Amy) Wofford, 42; Zane Daniel (Janis) Wofford, 41; and Jessica (Yanira) Peña-Wofford, 37. He is also survived by six cherished grandchildren-Dylan (15), Caron (13), Logan (12), Henry (8), Heidi (6), and Zane Stirling (2)-as well as his sister, Jean Ann Foxworth, and his brother, Thomas Wofford.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville, MS.

You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.