of Benton, AR
February 12, 1941 - May 6, 2023
Mr. David Lavine "Coach" Booth of Benton passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones after an extended illness, on May 6, 2023 at the age of 82. He was born in Hazen on February 12, 1941. He is preceded in death by his parents, Minor Forrest Booth Sr. and Dora Nell Tate Booth; one brother, Minor (Jimmie) Forrest Booth Jr. of Little Rock; one sister, Betty Booth Conley of Houston, Texas and one nephew, Michael Conley of Houston, Texas.
David is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Sara Ann Akin Booth; his three beloved daughters, Melissa (Missy) Booth Cozzens (Jamie) of Mayflower, Michelle (Shelly) Booth Rogers (Brett) of Little Rock, Holly Ann Booth Boyd (Tommy) of Tupelo, Mississippi; one sister, Marinell Booth DeVore of Searcy; two nephews, Timothy Jimmie DeVore and Minor Forrest (James) Booth III and a niece, Yvette Devore Clark. David is also survived by eight grandchildren, Hunter Douglas Ward (Irene) of Boston, Massachusetts, Leah Alexandra Ward Winchester (Ethan) of Birmingham, Alabama, Ethan Mathew Cozzens of Mayflower, William Carson Rogers of Little Rock, Callie Grace Rogers Andrus (Mike) of Bentonville, Anna-Kate Boyd Rios (Sebastian) of Southaven, Mississippi, Isabella Thomas Boyd of Starkville, Mississippi, Thomas Ladell Boyd, III of Tupelo, Mississippi and one great-grandchild, Leo David Ward of Boston, Massachusetts.
David was a 1959 graduate of Hazen High School where he was a stand-out athlete in football and track. He continued his academic and athletic career at Ouachita Baptist University and obtained a BSE in 1963. While attending the university, he excelled in track and won and held many records including leading the Ouachita Tigers to the 1960 AIC track champs.
After graduating college, David began his lifelong career of coaching and teaching, in which he influenced and impacted the lives of all of his students and athletes. He was a teacher, mentor and coach in the Pulaski County Special School District for over 25 years. After retiring from PCSSD, he actively pursued hobbies of biking, hiking and traveling.
David was a member of Bible Church of Little Rock where he was an active member in the men's bible study group. David was a devoted Christian. His favorite bible verse came from the book of James 1:2-4 which says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing".
Pallbearers are Brett Rogers, Tommy Boyd, Jamie Cozzens, Hunter Ward, Carson Rogers, Thomas Boyd, Ethan Cozzens, Ethan Winchester, Mike Andrus and Sebastin Rios. Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Richardson, Ray Brown, Ray Shields and Keith Browning.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Alzheimer's Association of Arkansas and St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 11 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home in Little Rock, 10900 Interstate 30. Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 12 at 2:00 pm at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home in Little Rock, 10900 Interstate 30. A graveside service will immediately follow the funeral at Hazen Cemetery.
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8 Condolence(s)
Wilbur owen
Saturday, May 13, 2023
I ran against David in the nineteen sixties while attending ASTC . He was a fierce competitor in all races. I n our three years of competition there were wins and losses for both of us. He was a true sportsman both ways. Humble in winning and the first to congratulate the winner when losing. It comes as no surprise to me that he had a positive influence on his athletes and students. My condolences to his family. I have many pleasant memories our races against each other.
Wilbur Owen Petit Jean Mountain
Leon Hays
Saturday, May 13, 2023
I started my coaching and teaching in 1974 with coach Booth. Coach was well respected among his players as well as the coaches around him. My regret was not being able to see coach before he passed. My wife and I wish our condolences to Ann his wife. He will be missed by so many that respected and loved him.
James and Sara Weddle
Friday, May 12, 2023
We went to high school and church with David at Hazen, Ar. He was a friend to both of us. I am sure he was a good teacher and influence for his students. He was a good guy.
John Jan mayes
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Enjoy working with Coach Booth. A great person and a well respected coach. My prayers go out to the family. He will be missed by all.
Barry Lile
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Coach Booth was my football coach in Jr High at Mabelvale. He taught me to workout and say in shape.
I've exercised my entire life because of his inspiration. He was well loved among everybody at Mabelvale and McClellan. I know he will be missed.
Charles E. Roller
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
My deep condolences to the family. I had him as a coach in the 70's and remember him quite well in the fondest of memories.
Cheryl Harrison
Monday, May 8, 2023
My sweet dear Missy I'm so sorry to hear the passing of your sweet , loving , funny dad .. he will always be remembered as ''Coach Booth '' ! All during my Jr high and High school years .. what a precious man .. I'm thinking and praying for you Missy and all your family .. !! I still think of you all the time I still live in Bryant ! Miss you always ! Sending prayers and hugs to everyone ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™!
Bob Dobson
Monday, May 8, 2023
I coached with David at Fuller. He was a wonderful individual. Respected by the Faculty, students and especially his athletes. He had a positive influence on many students. He will be missed by many people. Prayers to family for peace, comfort and understanding. RIP my friend.