David Van Gillentine, III died Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at his residence in Saltillo. He was 77 years old. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Mississippi, he moved to Jackson, MS to attend the Jackson School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor Degree in 1973. While attending law school, he taught school and worked as a real estate agent. After law school, he continued his career as a real estate broker, appraiser, developer, and investor. He later became a Petroleum Landman and performed title research for oil companies. In 1983, he began his law practice and continued the practice until 2000, when, once again he began work as a Petroleum Landman. Eventually, he managed family properties.
He was a longtime member of Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson and recently rejoined First United Methodist Church of Tupelo, the church in which he was raised.
David enjoyed cooking and loved playing music (bass guitar and drums). His unique wit and pleasant nature were evidenced by his jokes, stories and his writings of songs and poetry.
He is predeceased by his parents David Gillentine, Jr. and Shirley Reed Gillentine.
He is survived by his loving wife, Anneil Price Gillentine; his “children by marriage” Andy Hyde of Portland, OR, Aubrey Quenet Hyde Ramey (Brett) of Cincinnati, OH, Todd Stringer (Andrea) of Perry, GA, and Andy Stringer (Jessica) of Oxford, MS, all of whom gave him great joy.
His sisters are Kay G. Collins (Harry); Jan G. Wigginton (David, late); Nancy G. Heberling; and Angie G. Drake (John). Nieces and nephews are Patrick Collins (Jill), Amelia Collins Foote (Chuck), Tatum Collins (Sally Kate); Jennifer Wigginton Henderson (Paul Henderson, late), Nathaniel Wigginton (Britanny); Shannon Heberling Boose (Brad); Grace Drake Stiles (Michael) and Mary Reed Drake Buckles (Zach); and numerous great nieces and great nephews. His grandchildren are Francesca Hyde, Conrad Hyde, Cooper Ramey, Parker Ramey, Aaron Mathews, Hudson Stringer, Jordan Stringer, and Logan Stringer.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, December 15, 2024 in the Sadie M. Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo. Visitation will be from 2 PM to service time. Burial will be private. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at 3 PM at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming and archived thereafter. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve their friends.
