Wayne, I am truly so sorry for your loss, and I am thinking of you and your family for the days to come. I hope that you and your family find peace during this difficult time. Please know that you are truly loved & cared about by many people here at Guidewell.  Please let me know if there is anything you need. With my deepest sympathy & love, Theresa(Guidewell's Respect community)

I loved David’s garden. It was one of my favorite morning stopping spots. These beautiful flowers were from earlier this year, near the waterfall.

My thoughts are of David was always his big smile! A wonderful gentle man.

My time at the zoo overlapped with David from 2013-2018. I remember how he always seemed to be having a good day, no matter the day, and was always smiling and gracious to everyone he met. My condolences to his friends and family for their loss.

It is with sadness that I learned about the passing of David. He and I had orientation together at the zoo in 2006. He assisted me many times over the next eleven years with my poor plant husbandry in animal exhibits. He always had the answers when I was over watering plants or not giving them enough sun. If I parked a golf cart off the pathway, he was quick to explain that I was compacting soils and harming the plant roots. David was such a talented horticulturist and a dedicated employee. He will be missed by everyone.

Love never dies❤️
Jimmy and Steve 😘

I met David many years ago working at Eckerd in Ponte Vedra Beach.  He was an instant friend.  I'll never forget that when I was registering for wedding gifts after my engagement, he told me specifically not to buy a vacuum cleaner because he had an extra that I could have.  Well, turns out the extra that he had no longer worked and he showed up with a brand-new vacuum cleaner for us.  Silly memory, but it just shows how important keeping his word was to him.  He was a most honorable man and to know him was to love him.  
I'm extremely grateful that he was able to meet my daughter on several occassions at the zoo.  When we would go on field trips, my daughter would always get onto any children that she saw touching Mr. David's plants.  The zoo will not be the same without running into Mr. David, but his memory will live on there for many years to come.  
My heart goes out to all who loved him...in other words all who were lucky enough to have known him.

Wayne,

Heartbroken to learn of the passing of your husband, David. I recall fondly your travel stories with him and appreciate you sharing that with me. Your tribute to him was moving and lovely, and I am sending you and all of David's loved ones endless love and affection from Texas.

Love, Julia

David is one of my best memories from my 25 years at the zoo. He did bring the sunshine on the rainiest day and made Savannah Bloom with his smile. He will greatly missed. My thoughts and love to his family. Thank you very much for sharing him with us.

Wayne, 

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I pray that you will be comforted and may you be filled with strength during this time. Please know that we are all here for you in every way.

With love,
Nhuy Nguyen

It's not a great angle, but it's one of my favorites. David was such an amazing person and I miss his laugh so much. He will always be missed

I am so sorry for your loss; I didn't know David that long, but I do know that he was an amazing and beautiful person. He was always so sweet, nice and an all-around kindhearted and genuine person. He will forever be missed by so many. Sending positive thoughts, prayers and hugs to the family in their time of need.

How do I say in such few words the impact your beautiful soul made on so many? You were ever the positive supporter, kind hearted, huge hug giver, loving and compassionate human. My life is blessed to have had you in it. To have had 2 years with you, iterally, by my side during my time at the Zoo. This picture is how I will always remember you David. I am SO grateful for your last text, Love you, miss you and will always hold you close. Eternal peace and blessings to you my dear friend.

Thank you David for sharing your life with us and serving hundreds of times to make Jax better for everyone. Seeing you both every time made my heart jump and a smile spread across my face. This community is fortunate to have you. Gracious patient handsome man sincerely thank you. I believe you are stilling helping us, inspiring me to celebrate you.

Dear Wayne,
our thoughts are with you.
Kusum Jain and Bharat Sanghvi

My condolences to David's friends and family. I was lucky enough to work with him for a few years. He was always a cheerful and calming influence. He welcomed everyone with an enthusiastic, smiling face that made everyone feel special.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. My heart is truly saddened as I’ll surely miss that smile and conversation. Heartbroken as you were such an amazing person and friend. Always so cheerful and kind. You shared so much with all of us. I’m forever grateful to have met you, and worked with you as I’ve learned so much through the years from your brilliant fun loving spirit and passion for nature. If there’s a heaven I’m sure you are tending to and making the most beautiful the gardens up there. Til I see you again I’ll forever remember you this way

David and I bonded over our mutual love for Harry Potter before my trip to London just before Thanksgiving, inspired by his fantastic Harry Potter-themed mug! During my travels, I learned of his passing and planned to bring back a few meaningful souvenirs for him. I will always cherish our uplifting conversations at work and his infectious smile that had the power to brighten my day! Thankful to have worked with David at JZG for 8 years.

With deepest sympathy to Wayne & the family,  Janet Clark,  Atlanta, Ga

David was one of the best people I have ever met, and I will miss him terribly. My heart breaks for everyone that knew him.

He was the best big brother ever. Thank you David for all the love you gave me. You taught me a lot and I will always cherish you and I pray you know you were a huge blessing to me!

Wayne and all David's family - So very sorry to hear of your loss.  The few times I med David at Toastmaster events with Wayne, their love and joy was contagious.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Fred Haley and Toula Wootan

Dear ALL OF David's family,
I was lucky enough to see David pretty regularly as my office is across the Horticulture office.   We always exchanged morning pleasantries with a smile.  Occasionally, I would see him in his glory before the park opened, always looking like he enjoyed doing what he did in his beloved Savannah Bloom Garden.  I would tell him his area was looking fabulous as often as I could and he would smile and always have something nice to say.  A piece of my heart broke when I heard the news.  He will always stay in my memory with that smile that only David shared with us all.  R.I.P my dear friend.  My deepest sympathy to you all.  Rosie Peck.

David was a remarkable soul. Touching any life he came in contact With. I was truly blessed to have known him and to call him a friend. He will just so deeply missed by all.

Many fond memories with Wayne and David when they lived in Chattanooga.  Loved hanging out with them. David was such a kind soul - he will be sorely missed.  Much love and prayers to all his family and especially Wayne.  Rest in Peace David. ❤️

OBITUARY

David Thomas Parker-Blackburn

4 October, 1964 – 29 November, 2024

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

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