David Hufnagle, 78, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 6:53 p.m. Though his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in the assurance that he is now whole, at peace, and reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Terry, and all those who have gone before him in faith.
David was born on June 5, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Harold and Martha Hufnagle. His early childhood was spent in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, before his family moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In 1961, they settled in Huntsville, Alabama, where David spent his teenage years.
As a young man, David was full of life and talent. He played football and the trombone in school and shared his love of music by playing guitar and singing in a local rock band with friends. Together they performed at various community events, bringing joy through music.
David pursued engineering studies at Calhoun Community College and Auburn University before serving his country in the Army National Guard in Huntsville, Alabama. He retired with the rank of Specialist 5.
Above all else, David loved Jesus Christ. Raised in the Lutheran church, he became a member of the Church of Christ in his twenties after developing a deep personal faith. Feeling called to ministry, he attended and graduated from International Bible College. Over the years, he faithfully preached in congregations including Courtland and Holly Pond and served as the part-time minister at Cedar Grove Church of Christ for four years. His love for God’s people extended beyond the pulpit. As part of his service through Mayfair Church of Christ, David faithfully led devotionals and brought communion to patients at Huntsville Hospital for many years. He was also blessed to visit both the Holy Land and India, experiences that further strengthened his faith.
Music remained one of David’s greatest passions throughout his life. He loved leading congregational singing at churches and gospel events across Alabama. Gifted with an exceptional ear, he could sing all four vocal parts—soprano, alto, tenor, and bass—though he rarely chose the alto part. His love for worship through song blessed countless congregations and friends over the years.
Never one to stop learning, David returned to school at Drake College in Huntsville, where he studied engineering and electronics. Through a cooperative education program with NASA, he graduated as an Electrical Engineering Technician and enjoyed a successful 25-year career with NASA. Even in retirement, his love of music continued as he played in a band at the Huntsville Senior Center.
David had a gift for making people smile. He was jovial, funny, lighthearted, and often delightfully silly. He loved playing multiple musical instruments, documenting family gatherings with countless photographs and videos, and faithfully journaling life’s moments. He was a hardworking man who provided well for his family and treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved.
On March 1, 1991, David married the love of his life, Terry Grigsby Hufnagle. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony of love and faith. Terry preceded him in death on April 10, 2019, and David looked forward with confidence to the day they would be reunited.
David leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his children, Christy, Mark, and Chastity; his grandchildren, Shelby, Olivia, Abby, Cheyanne, and Georgia; and his great-grandchildren, Aria and Kaizen. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Easley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Martha Hufnagle; his beloved wife, Terry Grigsby Hufnagle; and his grandson, Logan Hufnagle.
David’s greatest legacy was not his career, his talents, or even his many accomplishments—it was his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. He loved the church, loved serving others, and never hesitated to profess Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
While his family deeply mourns the loss of his presence here on earth, they find immeasurable comfort in God’s promises. There is no doubt in their hearts that David is now in Heaven—walking without pain, speaking with strength, worshiping with joy, and reunited with Terry in the presence of the Savior he faithfully loved and served throughout his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Mayfair Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
— Revelation 21:4
In Lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Hopice of The Valley.
