David Pate Vestal, aged 66 of Auburn, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 19, 2021. David was born on January 22, 1955 in Palo Alto, California and grew up in Auburn, Alabama. David is the child of Dr. Donald McKee Vestal and Virginia Nixon Vestal Brown.
David married his high school sweetheart, Janis Callan Vestal in 1976. David and Janis enjoyed an adventurous life together that was deeply rooted in love. They raised their two children, Jamie and David, Jr. in Auburn and Atlanta.
An avid auto enthusiast, David enjoyed a dynamic career in auto sales and management, most recently serving in a leadership role at Circuit of the Americas Formula 1 Track in Austin, Texas.
David is described by his family and friends as a gem of a human -- the most loving, patient, and positive husband and father, an incredibly intelligent yet humble man, with an encyclopedic knowledge of music, geography, cars, and all things Auburn. Family and friends recall David as a man who lived in the present, who didn’t worry about material things, and as someone who was truly observant and fascinated by the world around him. He could immediately put people at ease with his sweet voice, welcoming smile, and kind and gentle hugs. David had a genuine curiosity about, and interest in every person he met. Anyone who engaged in conversation with him -- family, friends, or strangers -- would feel like they were special and that they mattered.
David was loved and supported by his wife Janis Callan Vestal; their two children Jamie Vestal Dell (Steven), David Vestal, Jr.; grandchildren Julian Alexander Dell, Emily Lorraine Dell, Ruby Catherine Dell; and his siblings Kathleen, Donald, Cynthia, Douglas, and twin sister, Melissa.
While we all are saddened by this loss, we know that David’s legacy will live on in the infinite number of people he touched throughout his life.
Memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church (445 Shelton Mill Road Auburn, AL 36830) on Saturday, May 22 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
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