David Nelson Word passed away on December 9, 2016. He was 56. David was a native of Atlanta and a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering. He spent his early career at Rockwell International but a love of skydiving led him to a love of flying. He flew skydivers and airfreight to get flight hours and experience to achieve his dream to fly commercially. David was a Delta Airlines pilot for 25 years.
David had a deep love for life and the people around him. Those who knew David best admired him for his creative and innovative mind. He saw the world as both an engineer and an artist. Ten steps ahead, where others saw problems, he saw solutions. David had an ability to create things that were both perfectly practical and efficient, but also uniquely beautiful and original. When he had a project, he approached it with a purpose and determination that led to a standard of excellence evident in every task and goal he set before himself. Nicknamed the “energizer bunny,” David lived his life at full throttle, bringing an energy and enthusiasm to his work that often left the rest of us looking like we were standing still. From household projects to building his RC helicopters, airplanes and drones to RC flying, he shared his passions with others with such pride and joy – “Come see…let me show you…give it a try…”
David had an immense capacity for love. He loved his three girls and his family with everything he had. He treasured the friends who became family. His most cherished memories were the times spent with the people he loved doing the things he loved. You always knew where you stood with David because he would truly listen to you and share his excitement for you, his pride in you, and his deep love, openly and without reservation. As with all things in his life, David loved actively. Without hesitation, he would show up for the people in his life with a tool in his hand or a listening ear.
David knew how to truly enjoy life. Whether it was a moment around the table, on the beach, in front of the fireplace, or on the dance floor, he savored it in a way that allowed him to be able to say that he truly had few regrets in this life. Quick with a joke, a laugh, and a big smile, he could appreciate the little things like a perfectly cooked meal or a new song on the radio. He filled our lives with music.
We know his song plays on in all of us, and in some ways it is just beginning.
David is survived by his wife Jo Lynn, his two daughters Lauren and Stephanie, his mother Ruby Word, sister Kathy Ferguson (Rick), brother Larry Word (Rebecca), his nieces and nephews Nikolai, Veronika, and Michael Ferguson, Taylor, Jon Tucker, and Trenton Word, William, Johnathan, and Bridgette Wells, and his little buddy Capt. Jack.
Services will be held Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 2pm at Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church, 3016 Lanier Dr., Brookhaven, GA 30319 with a visitation reception following the service in Fellowship Hall. David is being cremated, and the family will spread his ashes at a later date.
**In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nami.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 5, 2017
Coworker
Janice Califf
December 19, 2016
Gary Deen
I went to Ga Tech with David. Clearly everything stated in the obituary is true. He was bright and caring.
December 18, 2016
Rhonda Craft Bird
Dear Jo Lynn, Lauren and Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I knew David from Skydiving at Westwind DZ in Georgia....a close group friends, who have been through a lot together. David's warmth and kindness always left a lasting impression. My heartfelt prayers go out to you and your extended family .
December 17, 2016
Wayne Hames
Jo Lynn,
So sad to hear the news of David. All my love goes out to you and your family.
Wayne
December 16, 2016
Ray & Carol Carach
Dear Jo Lynn and Family, We are so sorry for your loss and so fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and visit with David even for such a short time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
December 16, 2016
Andy & Tammy Binford
We are so sorry. You all are in our thoughts and we pray that the Lord will surround you with his loving arms.
December 16, 2016
Bobby & Cindy Bowers
Jo Lynn..... I am so sorry. You and your girls are in our prayers.
December 16, 2016
Judy (Nash) Chandler
I knew David from shared classes at SWD HS, and even though I had no contact with David after that time, my heart goes out to his family. We have lost an amazing person. David's intelligence, kindness, sense of humor, and wry way of being able to verbalize what everyone was really thinking helped to keep the rest of us sane.
December 15, 2016
Alan Turner
JoLynn, Stephanie and Lauren our hearts ache for you. We are praying that your memories of David fill the void your heart must fill at this time. David and I had the pleasure to fly together over the last 8 years. He was a excellent pilot and a great leader in and out of the cockpit. He will be greatly missed by us all. David's spirit will live on forever in all of us. Fly west my friend, until we meet again.
Alan and Nelly Turner
December 15, 2016
Darlene Lauth
Dear Word Family: Our hearts hurt for all of you. We know that he is an outstanding person. Please know that we are all praying for you and that we stand behind you in your time of need Please do not hesitate to call on any of us. We love you all.
The Greg Lauth Family (Darlene Berry Lauth)
December 15, 2016
John Murray
As a fellow sky diver pilot and airline pilot, I have many fond memories of David. I never saw David without a smile on his face. My Deepest Sympathy, love and prayers to JoLynn and the girls.
December 14, 2016
Paul Swindell
My years at SWD HS and Ga Tech were filled with laughter because of David. I haven't seen him since our reunion 6 years ago. He will be missed, too young.
December 14, 2016
Renae Daniel
Lauren, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you work through this difficult time. May your memories of good times serve as a reminder of how precious life is and remember to share them with each other and those you know often.
December 14, 2016
Nancy Yarbrough
Lauren, Words can not express how truly sorry I am for your loss. Know that you and your family are in my constant prayers. Nancy Yarbrough
December 14, 2016
Dana Klest
I knew David many years ago when we were skydiving together. Aside from sharing the fun of the skydive, he was an awesome jump pilot for us. With him flying, we knew we would only have ourselves to blame if we spotted poorly. I was so glad to have reconnected with David last year at the Caravan Memorial. I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. May God bless you and your family as you navigate the waters of grief ahead. May each day bring you more joyful memories of your life with David to carry you through this difficult time.
December 14, 2016
Trish Pierce
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful guy. He will truly be missed. I enjoyed the time I shared with him at Rockwell in Duluth, GA.
December 14, 2016
Sincere Condolences from fellow Delta Family to yours. May God's loving kindness and comfort bring you hope and help you through this difficult time. Ps 29:11
December 14, 2016
Tom Kessler
David was a beloved member of the Stone Mountain RC Flyer's model airplane club. David was a regular attendee that my son TJ and I got to know over the years. He was always kind to my son and I and "back in the early days" helped us program many of our planes and get our planes in the air. My son always loved to hear David tell stories about what it was like to fly the big planes for Delta. He was a man of many talents, and is a man who will be greatly missed by my family as well as by the other club members. David left us too soon......may his memory be eternal.
December 14, 2016
Barbara Lawrence
My dear cousin will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
December 13, 2016
Paul C
Though I did not know David personally, I wish to say Thank you for safely flying thousands of people to their friends, families, and loved ones over the years and your faithfulness to the lives so entrusted in your care...God speed and journey well. Your fellow Delta Brothers & Sisters. --PC
December 13, 2016
Craig Cerreta
Beautiful obituary that truly describes David: energy, enthusiasm, love and a remarkable ability to create things practical, efficient yet beautiful and better than others envisioned. I will never forget my amazement at his unbelievable Koi Pond or his ingenuity in white elephant Christmas gifts. Remarkable man.
December 13, 2016
Ady Cerreta
Beautiful tribute to David, this line best describes how I remember him most: "Quick with a joke, a laugh, and a big smile, he could appreciate the little things". Such good memories, praying for you and the girls JoLynn.
December 13, 2016
Steve Charles
Sincerest condolences from a Delta classmate.
December 13, 2016
Selena Bauman
David was one of the nicest men I've ever met. He was such a warm spirit, and will be missed.
Love,
Selena Bauman
December 13, 2016
Dawn Juneau
David was truly a family man and it was so easy to see his love for JoLynn, Stephanie and Lauren as well as his other family members. David was one of the most talented and humbled person that I had ever met. David was a true southern gentlemen and will be missed by all of us who had the pleasure to know him. I hope the memories that are carried in your heart help you through this difficult time. Dawn & Al Juneau
December 12, 2016
The Rineharts
You will be greatly missed David. While there may be a huge void where you once filled our lives with your energy, your presence will be felt by the many great memories you've given us. It was an honor to watch you fly RC aircraft, and to fly them with you. Blue Skies my friend!!!
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Funeral services provided by:
H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel4550 Peachtree Road Ne, Atlanta, GA 30319
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more