of Little Rock, AR
December 30, 1959 - July 15, 2023
David Gist Havens, 63, of Little Rock, Ar, passed from this life, July 15, 2023. He was born December 30, 1959 in Richland, Washington to Thurman W. Havens and Mildred Hoggard Havens. David was preceded in death by his parents Thurman and Mildred and his only brother Mark Havens of Conway Arkansas.
David is survived by his nephew Mark Havens Jr and wife Vanessa of California, Niece Autumn Pellin and husband Brian of California, and niece Elizabeth Noland and husband Zac of Arkansas. David was also survived by two spunky great nieces, extended cousins, and friends who were like brothers.
He was a servant to many. He spent much of his time feeding those who were hungry, helping cloth those in need, and he was always an unwavering friend to the friendless. David was a retired employee of the Conway Human Development Center where he worked for almost thirty years. David graduated from Conway High School and later went on to finish a degree from the University of the State of New York. David served a short time in the United States Airforce. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, traveling to see new places, visiting with strangers, assisting those with disabilities, strong coffee, music, lots of chocolate, boating, skiing, and multiple water sports.
He was currently attending the First United Methodist Church of Little Rock. A celebration of David's life will be held at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway Arkansas on Saturday July 22, 2023. Visitation will begin at 2p.m. followed by a service memorial at 3p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Conway Human Development Center Volunteer Council.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013277727.
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15 Condolence(s)
Karen Pearson
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
I worked with David for many years at the Conway human development center, he was a very nice person. Praying for his family and friends.
William and Cherre Holley
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Elizabeth and Zac, so sorry to hear of your loss! May God comfort you during your time of loss!
Jeff Jennings
Sunday, July 23, 2023
This news saddens me deeply. David and I go all the way back to 1971 when we both played on the same peewee football team, he was the center, I was the QB. We built a great friendship, with a kindred taste for the music and the politics of those times. I moved from Conway in 1972, but Dave and I would often cross paths over the years, most recently this past December.
David will always be remembered (by me anyway) as a dear friend, a comrade in our love for music and I agree with Stuart Douglas, his kindness knew no limitations, as David never met a stranger.
Godspeed, my friend.
Daniel Ryan
Sunday, July 23, 2023
David was such a nice person to be around and to work with. We saw each other a few months ago at Walgreens and were amazed because it's been quite some time. He will be deeply missed. My prayers and thoughts to the family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace.
joshua vallotton
Saturday, July 22, 2023
David Havens had always been the epitome of kindness and compassion. His warm smile, friendly demeanor, and endless dedication made him a beloved figure at Samaritan Ministries. For years, David had selflessly volunteered his time, working alongside the staff to help the less fortunate in his community. His departure from the organization was met with a mixture of gratitude for his service and a sense of loss for his absence.
Tracy Smithers
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Sorry
Vicki Hutto
Saturday, July 22, 2023
I’m so very sorry to hear!! David could always make you smile and was kind! So glad I knew him! â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Andy Sutterfield
Friday, July 21, 2023
I hate to hear of David’s passing. He was always a blast to work with at CHDC and he was one of the most caring people I ever met.
Elton & Sharon Robertson
Friday, July 21, 2023
To Dave's family, we are so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark Havens
Friday, July 21, 2023
Unlce David Havens rest in peace. May the lord grant you safe passage into heaven as I'm sure it's more than deserved. Saying you were a great uncle would be an understatement. You were the BEST UNCLE! Always kind, always a joy to be around, who always put your nieces and nephews first and foremost! You taught me how to be kind to others, how to respect all life, how to love the guitar, and how to live my life like it's the most precious gift on earth. My memory isnt the best, but i do remember every summer we visited and had fun together whether it be on the lake or playing monster (hide and seek), you always made time for us kids and made it a time to remember! I loved our phone calls and when you came this past year to visit, made my year. My wife Vanessa Havens was thrilled to finally met you! We are so very sad to hear of your passing, you changed my life and helped shape me into the man i am today. We LOVE you Uncle David & you'll be in our memories untill we met again as the lord commendeth.
"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord".
Romans 14:8
“Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you".
John 16:22
Last but not least: Psalm 133
DAVID. Roberts
Friday, July 21, 2023
I never knew him but from a cousin he sound like he was alright
Stuart Douglas
Friday, July 21, 2023
Mr. Rogers said:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.â€
David Havens was a helper, he devoted himself to supporting individuals with disabilities at Conway Human Development Center for thirty one years and at Independent Living Services for fifteen. But his service to individuals at these facilities lasted long after he retired from his paid position.
David was kind for kindness sake, he never talked about his efforts to assist folks whom he cared about. His service was legendary, being involved on a personal basis with people that he had worked with at both agencies. Volunteering weekends, evenings providing recreational opportunities for individuals on his own time and dime.
David always saw the value in every person he met, he always focused on knowing more about them, their likes, and dislikes, then engaging with them on their common interests.
David will be deeply missed, his absence will be felt.
The world needs more helpers, like David.
Bob Barham
Friday, July 21, 2023
I graduated Conway High School-Class of 1978 with David. He was a great guy, very witty, and always a friend to many. Like many of us do after high school, I lost contact with David and haven't seen him in years. Actually didn't know he was still around here. The picture of him here is how I remember him in school. My prayers are for his family during this difficult time. David, ole' buddy...rest easy and know that your presence will be missed. See you again one day.
Faith United Methodist Church
Friday, July 21, 2023
"O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him." --Psalm 34:8 (NRSV)
It has been our pleasure at Faith United Methodist Church, in Little Rock, to have David in attendance for several months. He walked in one Sunday to a congregation where he knew no one. He left that day with friends who looked forward to his return. He appeared and volunteered. In no time David was working at our media desk filling an important position. He was kind and gentle with a caring smile. We had great plans for him. But it seems the Lord had even greater ones. God is merciful and hears our cries. Rest in peace, David. You will be missed by all.
Faith United Methodist Church