David Hugh Waldrop, 73, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born December 30, 1952, to Collins Hugh and Wilma Graham Waldrop. He was a member of West Heights Baptist Church, having attended Union Church of the Nazarene during childhood. He married Cathy Jean Hellums on March 15, 1976. David graduated from Thaxton High School in 1970 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Ole Miss. He taught math and coached basketball for 25 years at South Pontotoc and was a mail carrier for 17 years. He lovingly cared for his wife during her 8 year battle with cancer.
David is survived by his son, Matt Waldrop and wife, Kim; his daughter, Emily Fields and husband, D.J.; his four grandchildren, Noah and Wyatt Waldrop and Leah and Jonah Fields; his father, Collins Waldrop; his sisters, Pat Russell and husband, Ronnie, of Tupelo, and Ladean Goodrich and husband, Ken, of Troy; his brother, Joe Waldrop and wife, Sondra, of Ecru; his sister-in-law, Paula Coker and husband, Larry, of Blue Springs; his brother-in-law, Herb Hellums and wife, Kim, of Ripley; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Cathy of 50 years; his mother, Wilma Graham Waldrop; and two nephews, Jason Russell and Ben Brown.
Pallbearers, Gary Russell, Brad Waldrop, Micah East, Ben Hellums, Wes Hellums and Gage Russell.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc with Dr. David Hamilton officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 5-7PM and again on Friday morning from 10AM until service time. Burial will follow at Oak Forest Cemetery.
