David Alderton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 15, 2013.

David Lee Alderton, 58, of Collierville passed away peacefully July 14, 2013. The family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20th, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3 p.m., all at Collierville Funeral Home, 534 West Poplar. David was born August 19, 1954, in Washington, D.C. to Joyce Conner and David Alderton, Sr. A thoughtful, kind man with a great sense of humor, David endeared all who met him in his life. As a youth, David spent much of his time outdoors becoming an Eagle Scout and working as a lifeguard. David graduated from Hayfield High School in 1971. He worked in construction after high school, and after two years he enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University. After two years there, he transferred to the University of California, Berkley, where he earned his first degree in Psychology. Three years later, including time-spent teaching at Boston University, David finished his Masters of Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. During his time in graduate school, David's roommate, Garth Ringheim, introduced him to his soon-to-be wife, Nyla Ringheim. On September 28, 1985 he married Nyla Ringheim and they were lifelong partners, married 27 years. A year after their marriage, David completed his doctorate in cognitive psychology and psychometrics. After earning his P.H.D David began work as a scientist for the Navy, working in San Diego at the personnel research laboratory. On December 18, 1992 David and Nyla welcomed the birth of their twin sons Austin David and Conner Lee. In 1993 David accepted an offer from (CDC) Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA to provide scientific research on the country's HIV outbreak and moved his family to Lilburn, GA. In 1998 the Navy successfully lured him back offering him a research position and later as director in Millington, TN at Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology (NPRST). He subsequently moved his family to Collierville, TN. David was a loving father and eagerly immersed himself with pride into his sons' schools and sporting events, never missing their practices, games, or school programs. He loved being an assistant coach for his sons' recreational baseball team. He was a regular fan in the bleachers for the Collierville AAU Dragons basketball team, and a supporter for the Memphis Grizzlies and Tigers. David's hobbies included reading (always a book in his hands), watching sports, bird watching, taking walks through Johnson Park, and driving around town with his beloved dogs Caleb and Lucky. He is preceded in death by his son Conner, mother Joyce Baggott, grandparents and father-in-law Loren Ringheim. He is survived by wife Nyla (nee Ringheim), son Austin; father David (Glenn) Alderton of Montgomery, AL; mother-in-law Marilyn Ringheim of Mankato, MN; stepfather Henry Baggott of Mankato, MN; siblings Sean (Reva) Baggott of Mankato, MN; Terry (Maria) Alderton of Micco, Florida; Sharon (John) Wakefield of Alexandria, VA; Ellen Alderton of Washington, D.C ; Margo Alderton, Candice (Mark) Soulier of Stafford, VA; sister-in-law Debra (James) Holmseth of Mankato, MN; brother-in-law Garth Ringheim of Belle Mead, NJ; as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David's memory may be made to the Fayette County Animal rescue at www.FayetteFCAR.com or a cancer organization of choice. Collierville Funeral Home (901) 853-2628

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for David Alderton

Sponsored by Austin & Nyla, Your son and wife. In memory with your son Conner..

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Not sure what to say?

July 13, 2015

paul rosenfeld

Tomorrow marks 2 years since I lost my best friend David Alderton. Remembering him always and my thoughts are with Nyla and Austin.

Posted by paul rosenfeld

July 14, 2014

Paul Rosenfeld

Today marks a year since I lost my best friend David. Peace to Nyla and Austin.

November 15, 2013

Michelle Fruge-Jebeile

David was my close friend from ninth grade through our first year of college at VCU. I am so sorry to hear that he has passed away. He was my best friend for many years, and although we lost touch over the years, he will always have a place in my heart. He was a such a kind, thoughtful person, truly a special person. He is gone too soon.

August 27, 2013

Regina Burch-Konda

Very sorry for your loss Nyla. I am not sure you remember me but I worked at NPRDC as a student back in the late 80s. David was such a great mentor to me! I so enjoyed looking at the slide show and seeing pictures of the two of you and your boys. He was such a wonderful person!

July 20, 2013

Dear Nyla and Austin and family, We just looked at the beautiful slideshow you posted, of scenes from David's life. He looked so proud, so happy, so engaged. To love and to be loved like David is, that is a gift that will keep giving over time. We are praying for you. Nancy and Dan Sheran and family

July 20, 2013

Dotty Dotson

To the Alderton Family sorry for your loss may you find strength from God during this time of sorrow it was a pleasure I got to know him.He will truly be miss

July 20, 2013

Jack & Deb Edwards

I'll always remember the dapper guy in a suit, ironed shirt, and suspenders at NPRDC in the mid-1980s. From the start, his professionalism set him apart from the crowd at work. Looking back at almost 30 years of memories, Deb and I see that what really made David stand out: a genuine smile, the care that he showed for everyone, and a wide knowledge base that came from his love of reading.

July 20, 2013

Carol Newell

Nyla and Austin, may you find solace in your memories of the rich and full life that David lived as a husband and father. His contributions at NPRST also leave a lasting legacy. It was an honor and privilege to work for David at NPRST.

July 19, 2013

Stephanie Doane

Nyla Jane and Austin -

I am so sorry for your loss. Nyla - when I think of David's kind heart my faith in humanity is renewed. He was a true friend and I will always treasure our friendship.

He was also an exceptional colleague - he and I were grad students in Jim Pellegrino's lab in the early 80s and he was so generous with his vast knowledge about cognitive psychology and statistics. And it was my honor to renew our professional interactions and friendship when I moved to the South and he was at NPRST. In many ways having David supporting my career again was like coming home.

I will just always treasure knowing David, and be thankful for his generosity and expertise. It was my honor to call him a friend and a colleague.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family -

Stephanie Doane

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Funeral services provided by:

Collierville Funeral Home - Bailey Station Rd.

3863 Bailey Station Rd, Collierville, TN 38017

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