David Lynn McCauley, 82, of Beaumont, was called to his eternal home on Friday, July 21, 2023 and reunited with his beloved wife after being apart for more than twenty years. He passed away at home in Beaumont with his family by his side.
David was born on January 6, 1941 in Beaumont, Texas to J.D. and Helen McCauley. He is survived by his daughters, Rhonda Fanaey of Friendswood, Texas and Misty Wall and husband Richard of Beaumont. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jacob McCauley of Friendswood; Kortney Wall and husband David of Hemphill, Texas; Kaitlyn McHenry and husband Travis of China, Texas; Connor Wall of Beaumont; Logan Exnicious of Beaumont; Joseph Fanaey of Friendswood; Bethany Exnicious of Beaumont; and great-grandchildren Kylynn, Kyndall, Olan and Kamee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Roslyn Baldree McCauley, and sister Mary McCauley Nowell.
David grew up in Beaumont and was a graduate of French High School. He actively served in the United States Army from 1966-1968, serving as a paratrooper in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Division and later stationed at West Point Military Academy before being honorably discharged. Afterwards, he returned home to Beaumont where he raised his family and graduated from Lamar University in 1973 with an Associate's Degree in Industrial Electricity and Electronics Technology. He was employed at Gulf States Utilities until his retirement in 1995.
In his younger years, David was an avid hunter and fisherman. Every single year on its anniversary, he would tell the story of when he was 12 years old on Halloween, hunting out in the Big Thicket. Out of nowhere, something began chasing him and his dad, forcing them to spend the entire night up in a tree. He also boasted of all the red drum he would bring in and fry up after a day out fishing and how there would never be any leftovers. And he wasn't lying! That, along with his pot roast and grandma's famous bread pudding and chicken and dumplings. He loved to cook for his family and would continuously hone in on perfecting everything he made.
He also loved guns. A staunch defender of the 2nd Amendment, you could often find him out early in the morning at the Golden Triangle Gun Club, either at the pistol range or the rifle range, whichever was his preference for the day.
Above anything else in his life, David strived to be the best Christian that he could be. Then, after that, the best husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He was the most frugal yet generous man...wearing the same pair of shoes for the past 20 years (yes, you read that right) because "they fit just fine and there's nothing wrong with them" yet at the same time willing to give the shirt off of his back to anyone who he saw was in need. Well into his late 70s, he would arrive before services would start on Sundays and Wednesdays at his congregation to tidy up the sanctuary and clear the parking lot of leaves. All without most people knowing, or him wanting people to know. Just like any of the other good deeds that he did. Because he was never one to draw attention to himself; instead, adhering to the Word of God. "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in Heaven" - Matthew 6:1
This is how David lived his life, a humble, loving, and obedient servant. One who is most assuredly being rewarded right now.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Gary Clayton and Dr. Rahul Patri for the exceptional and compassionate care that they provided throughout the years. Thanks also to the caring staff at Compassion Hospice, Mrs. Judy Black, and Major Drive Church of Christ.
A gathering of David's family and friends will take place on Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home located at 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, TX 77703.
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