Gatorgrowl (David) called me last night and gave me an update on his current health condition. He has had kidney failure issues and has been on dialysis 3 times a week for the last several months. He is also experiencing dementia type symptoms and his memory is not as sharp as it used to be. He informed me last night that he will be discontinuing dialysis and entering a hospice program on Friday March 21. He said the doctors told him that would give him 30 days or so before the kidney failure takes him from us. He called me again this morning and wanted me to post this message so everyone knows his situation. He said being part of Gator Country was the highlight of his social media life and he totally enjoyed his participation in the website. He really misses doing the softball games. Please keep David and his wife Donna in your prayers. Personally, this is hard for me as I have worked with him for over 15 years. While we have never met in person we have done zoom calls together. I have watched his granddaughter grow up playing her violin and now is at Vanderbilt on a music scholarship. I consider him a true friend. God Bless him.
Barring a miracle, I hope his passing is as peaceful and pain-free as possible. Also prayers for Donna, his family and friends so that they may find solace in their time of grieving.
He's been such a good friend to me that when I think of Gator Country I think of him. I will miss him so much... I have nothing but love for our brother, David. He and Ray (the other Ray) were the people that made it easy for me to love posting in Swamp Gas. When Gator Country spun off it was David and Ray that made me continue with Gator Country and not TOS. At the beginning of my membership I had several issues getting to know this site and I would call that number they had, and I would speak directly with David... such a kind and brilliant man his was, we would talk all the time which made getting to know him here on the site that much easier. Ray would email me when the split from TOS happened. He was the reason why I chose this site to post on. Ray and David were two of the best ambassadors to this site, and I am sure solari (the other Ray) knows just how valuable they have been in making this place the BEST GATOR SPORTS SITE IN AMERICA. I have to say that this place will not be the same place for me... not without David. I will miss him dearly. I am deeply saddened to hear this bad news. Onions... cutting onions now. So painful to think about.
May Jesus be with David as his life winds down. May he feel the love of his family and his extended family. He has fought the good fight. He has finished the course. He has kept the faith!!
I first met David back in September 1964. We were 7th grade at Lake Shore Jr High in Jacksonville, Fl. From ninth grade we went to separate high schools. He went to Lee and I went to Forrest. During that time, or paths frequently crossed at sporting events and social gatherings. He was always a friendly guy with a great sense of humor. After high school, we went our separate ways. About twenty years ago, I found Swamp Gas. It was there/here that I saw David's name and his emoji (which fits him to a T). From that point, David and I had several private chats. In those chats, I saw that David was still the class act that I knew way back in 1964. Prayers for him and his family.
This is just awful. Years ago when I first joined GC it was David through phone calls and emails that got me up and running. I am sorry I didn't get to meet him. My God's grace come over this family.
Hate to hear it. Growl would ban me (rightly so most times years ago) and Ray would talk him into giving me another chance. Sucks getting old and sick…
I have a sadness that is hard to describe. I never spoke to Ray or David, yet feel a loss nonetheless. I have been on here, mostly lurking for many yrs. It puts a human touch on something that can feel very inanimate at times. A most difficult decision. I hope you and your family true blessings and grace. I will pray for you. Another legacy on GC.
Thanks for the information. As I read it, I think I heard violin music playing somberly in the background. It may be a recollection of his granddaughter but methinks it is my melancholy ways. All I an say is best wishes and prayers for the family and a sense of peace for you Growl. I know you have it.
May the Gators Men's Basketball Team bring home one last National Championship for our true champion of Gator Country. May God's peace comfort and surround you on your next journey. May your family love and cherish the memories that will flood their souls and minds. May we all here at Gator Country continually learn to open our hearts and minds to everyone's opinions and help forward the Gator standard like Gator Growl has always wanted us to. And if or when the Gators win that last game on April 7th, let us all remember who gave to us this social media site to enjoy his one last celebration of a lifetime.
