David Ussery

David Ussery, a devoted family man, skilled craftsman, and gentle soul, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Born on April 3, 1953, in Fort Worth, David lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering reliability, and heartfelt connections.

A 1970 graduate of Arlington High School, David furthered his education at Tarrant County College in Hurst. His dedication to service was evident early on when he graduated with honors from an aircraft mechanics course at Shepard Air Force Base. He proudly served with the Tactical Air Command, stationed at Clarke Air Base in the Philippines, before leaving the Air Force in August of 1976 to begin his journey of starting and raising a family.

Those who knew David often described him as calm and approachable, with a quiet, steady sense of humor. He was a man of sincerity and kindness, someone whom friends and family could always count on. His reliability and genuine nature made him a pillar of strength in times of need, a grounding presence who made life feel a little more secure and cared for.

Professionally, David dedicated many years to Club Corp of America, where he worked as an irrigation and landscape specialist across several golf courses. His meticulous care and expertise helped nurture beautiful grounds that brought enjoyment to countless visitors. One achievement close to his heart was moving an old bridge from Austin to one of the golf courses in Mansfield—a testament to his love for preserving history and giving new life to cherished things. After a long and fulfilling career, David retired and spent his final years divided between Round Mountain and Arlington, Texas.

Family was the cornerstone of David’s life and his greatest source of pride. He embraced grandfatherhood and great-grandfatherhood with profound joy, lovingly choosing the names “Bigdaddy” and “Great Bigdaddy,” honoring a cherished family tradition handed down from his own grandfather. His legacy lives on through his daughter Brandi Ussery and son-in-law Dwayne Gore; his son Ian Ussery and daughter-in-law Tesch Ussery; granddaughter Bailey Ussery-Bryan and grandson-in-law Nathan Bryan; grandson Leopold David Ussery and Alexander Ussery; great-grandchildren Maximus Alexander and Lillian Ray Ussery-Bryan; sister Barbara Gray; brother Dale (Skip) Ussery and sister-in-law Mardie Ussery; and countless beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind lifelong friends Dale Bratcher and Denise Spain. He was also adored by five grandpups and four grandkitties who cherished him deeply!

David was preceded in death by his parents Charles Weldon and Mary Lee Ussery and his most loyal companion, his beloved dog Tigger, whose memory remains treasured.

David’s passion for the simple joys of life was evident in the memories he created with those close to him. Some of the most treasured moments were quiet times spent on the patio with coffee, watching hummingbirds visit the feeders, or sharing stories of old Mustangs and race days.  His love for animals shone brightly in the affection he showed to family dogs and cats. Not just a fixer of machines, David was their "fix-it" man in every sense—always ready to solve problems and repair what was broken. He also had a deep love for Star Wars, and many special moments were spent together watching both the original films and the newer ones—time that brought laughter, connection, and lasting memories. Music filled his life and home, particularly the sounds of Pink Floyd, a love he warmly passed on to his family. Together, they attended concerts, with one of the last being a joyful night of Heart and ZZ Top, where his dancing and laughter left unforgettable impressions. He had a beautiful singing voice, though he was modest about it. He shared it with the choir at Tate Springs Babtist Church, and also during special moments like weddings, funerals and road trips. David also appreciated life’s finer things, savoring top-shelf margaritas and exquisite glasses of wine on special occasions.

A memorial service celebrating David’s life will be held on May 4, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM  where he will be laid to rest with his parents, reunited with them in peace at Emerald Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park, located at 500 Kennedale Sublett Road, Kennedale, Texas.