David Gerald Candler, 82, of Batesville, departed this life on Friday, November 3, 2023. He was born on September 24, 1941, on Hutchinson Mountain, Arkansas to Earl Candler and Bertha O’Neal Campbell.
He married Norma King in 1968 and they enjoyed over forty-eight years of marriage until she died in 2016. He was a member of Believer’s Community Church in Batesville.
David had a family of friends who gathered daily at McDonald’s to enjoy much fellowship together.
During his younger years, he was a fast-pitch softball player as well as he coached women’s softball for many years. He was a sports enthusiast and loved the Razorbacks. He also enjoyed yard sales, auctions and being outdoors.
David is survived by his daughters, Jo Long, of Batesville, and Pam (Richard) Gillean, of Batesville; his brother, Arnold (Sharon) Candler, of Southside; his sister, Mary Branscum, of Maumelle; grandchildren, Heather (Brent) Riggs, Sean (Sarah) Gillean, Clay (Kylie) Long, and Joshua Gillean; great-grandchildren, Kaylee Riggs, Landon Riggs, Abel Long, Hudson Long, Haven Jones, Channing Jones, and Micah Weaver; his beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, several nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brothers-in-law, Alvin Branscum and Jim Mills, and grandson, Kelly Gillean.
Service will be on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Doty Southside Funeral Service.
Visitation will be before the service at 1:00 p.m. and continue until service time.
