David Williams, age 27, was born in Yekaterinburg Russia in 1996 and died October 13, 2023, in Tennessee. He was adopted into our hearts on September 11, 1997, and lived an idyllic childhood. We spent hours on Playmobile, trucks, and dinosaurs. His favorite birthday party was celebrated at the Albert Pujols Catch 22 baseball field. He visited his Kansas City grandparents for Thanksgiving every year. Between birthdays, gotcha days, and holidays, he and his brother got presents almost every month! We read hundreds of books, and he especially liked Happy Birthday to You! by Dr. Seuss, A Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis, and Calvin and Hobbes. We went to the zoo at every opportunity and always seemed to come home with a new stuffed animal from the gift shop.
David was homeschooled until middle school and his brother Steve was his best friend. When they got together, they would roar at each other. David and his brother would go to the driving range together, and Dave, David, and Stephen spent countless nights hanging out at Steak N Shake. David and Stephen argued about one thing—which one was the favorite son!
David was a natural athlete. When he was adopted at age one, he already had a 4 pack. He played soccer, baseball, and football. As a high school junior, he set the Missouri state record for the greatest number of field goals in one season and was chosen 1st team All-State.
He attended Taylor University where he roomed with Steve, sang with the Taylor Chorale, and graduated with a degree in marketing. He was especially interested in history and politics, but people were his passion. David worked in recruiting and sales in St. Louis, but he found his home in Tennessee. This avid Cardinals fan became a lover of NASCAR and country music. He wanted to be close to the racetrack and feel the thunder of the cars.
He came to Spring 2 Life in Woodbury TN early in 2023. There he was finally ready to surrender his life totally to Jesus and walk in the joy of the Lord. He found a community of men who were seeking Jesus and loving each other. He was transformed. David fell in love with Scripture and would quote it constantly. He was a worshipper– either sitting in a chair by himself at the outdoor cross or with hands extended in a church service. Was David perfect? No, he was still tempted like you and me. However, he had a joy that just radiated from his face. He was so grateful to be interning and then working at S2L. He had found purpose in his life and took joy in encouraging others. He developed a heart of service—whether mowing the lawn, driving a tractor, taking down the church revival tent, or cooking carne asada with fire-roasted tortillas for the guys.
He is survived by his parents, David and Nancy Williams; brother, Stephen Williams (Alayna); grandmother, Jeanne Challener; aunt, Dale Hill (Larry); uncles, Bill Challener (Helen), David Challener; cousins, Douglas Challener, Greg Challener, Tim Challener, Stephen Challener, Jesse Crutcher (Travis); and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frances and David Williams, Bill Challener III; and aunt, Ruth Challener.
The funeral service will be Friday, October 20, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Pleasant View Church in Woodbury, TN. To watch the livestream, log into this YouTube channel at 2 p.m.:
https://www.youtube.com/@pleasantviewbc Burial will be immediately following the ceremony with a reception to follow.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to S2L Recovery (Spring 2 Life).
https://www.continuetogive.com/4840429/donation_prompt
