Dr. David Addison Flanigan passed away on June 21, 2019 at Florence Nursing and Rehab,Florence AL. He was born on February 14, 1936 in Columbus IN to Leola Irene Fogle Flanigan and Addison Andrew Flanigan. He spent his earliest years in Chicago where his Dad took him to his first Cubs game at Wrigley Field at the age of five. A lifelong love affair was born that day which for Dave meant decades of heartbreak and then one perfect moment when his Cubbies won the World Series and he cried tears of joy.
Dave graduated high school in Mitchell Indiana at the age of 16, attended Rose Polytechnic Institute in Terre Haute, Indiana, and completed his degree from Western Kentucky University. He went on to receive his Doctorate Degree in Analytical Chemistry from Vanderbilt University in 1962. He was hired by Thiokol Corporation that same year and spent his entire career with that company, first in Huntsville Alabama, then Chicago, and finally in Utah, retiring as their Director of Advanced Technology in 1999. There is so much that could be written about his career but what he was most proud of were the talented young chemists that he was able to mentor along the way, many of whom came from across the country to visit with him in his final days.
He met his wife Yvonne Keel Flanigan in coastal Georgia in the late ’60’s and they were together for 51 years, sharing a room at the nursing home and passing within 26 hours of one other.
Dr. Flanigan traveled the world with his job but his favorite place was home, working out in his yard. Upon his retirement in Athens, Alabama, he discovered daylilies and spent countless hours transforming a bare backyard into a floral wonderland, with over 800 varieties of daylilies on display including one that was named for him by its’ hybridizer – “Dr. Dave”. He was also co-founder and several-time President of the North Alabama Daylily Society.
Dave loved his Cubs, the Vanderbilt Commodores and anyone who beat Tennessee at any time. He attended the first Super Bowl. He and his partner were National Sports Car Rally Champions in the late ’70’s. He grew tomato plants from seeds that would tower over your head. He made the unfortunate decision in the early-80’s to get perms for about a year, earning himself the nickname “Dr. Fuzz”. He once ate potpourri thinking it was a snack. He found it dry. He was brilliant, funny, humble and able to laugh at himself right along with the rest of us.
Dr. Flanigan leaves behind his brother Alan Harry Flanigan (Beverley) of Alexandria VA, sons David Addison Flanigan Jr. (Cissy) of Atlanta GA, Patrick Lane Flanigan (Jeanne) of HarrisonburgVA, daughter Kellie Flanigan Clement of Littleville AL, and her husband Donald Gregory Clement who was Dave’s trusted friend, caretaker, and son. He also leaves behind grandchildren Michael Flanigan, Kelsie Flanigan, Brianna Flanigan Tomlinson, Kendall Flanigan, Amanda Flanigan, Lisa Flanigan, and Savannah Clement. David also leaves behind a former colleague and dear friend who was like a son to him, Dr. Jamie B. Neidert (Brenda) of Huntsville Alabama.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Faith Flanigan Lee, and his brother-in-law Jesse Ray Lee.
Per his wishes, there will be no formal services. In lieu of condolences sent to the family, please consider a donation to the rescue where they adopted their last dog, Buttons, who brought them an extraordinary amount of joy.
Madison Small Pups Rescue and Adoption
8000 Madison Blvd. Suite D 102 #141
Madison AL 35758
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Florence Nursing and Rehab for the unending love they showered on Dave in his final days. They brought him friendship, happiness, and a feeling of safety until his very final moments. The family would also like to share their appreciation for Comfort Care Hospice and in particular Candace Ivey for her guidance and support through such a difficult time. We will forever be grateful to all of you.
