David Perry Mann of Jacksonville, Alabama died on October 6, 2024 after a brief illness. Dave was 60 years old - - born July 21, 1964 in Opelika, Alabama.
Dave attended public schools in Opelika, Alabama and later in Gadsden, Alabama. He graduated in 1982 from Gadsden High School, where he was a member of the baseball team. After high school, Dave attended Gadsden State Junior College and later pursued a long career as a master electrician.
Dave’s career, as an electrician, took him to Marietta, Georgia. He worked successfully on many significant construction projects, in and around Atlanta. Dave could repair, build or fix almost anything. He had a gift for precision and quality on every job he worked.
Dave’s love was his family and the outdoors. Abundant love of family was Dave’s North Star, always guiding him to do right by them and others. He exemplified “love your neighbor as yourself” through countless acts of kindness. He raised three beautiful children - - Megan Mann Fowler (Steven), Sydney Mann Cagle (Cameron) and Jacob Lee Mann. He adored his grandchildren, Ruby Fowler and Rowan Fowler. He is also survived by his mother – Joy E. Hamm,
step-father – Otha G. Hamm, father – Perry Lee Mann, brothers – Ted L. Mann (Venita), Victor D. Mann, Jamey S. Mann and Robert B. Mann (Alexandra), aunt – Maxine A. Mann, uncle – Noyle Mann and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. His family and faith were his rock and foundation.
Dave loved to fish and hunt with friends and family, especially his son, Jake. He was at peace on a lake or in a tree stand, always in awe of God’s creation and creatures. He was also an accomplished golfer with a silky smooth swing. He played many rounds with his brothers, son Jake and friends. Dave won more than he lost in golf and in life.
Although diabetes made his life challenging, and sometimes insurmountable, he never backed down. While his condition, amputations and related problems slowed his physical ability, he continued to pursue his passions for the outdoors and golf.
The enduring lesson from Dave’s physical struggles was that he never quit. He fought back each time his disease beat him down to overcome any obstacle in his path. Dave exemplified the scripture found in the gospel of Matthew 5:1-12 - - especially verse 5, “Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.”
The Mann, Hamm, Fowler and Cagle families thank all the doctors, nurses and care aides at Northeast Alabama Regional Hospital in Anniston, Alabama; as well as the nurses of Amedisys Hospice Care.
A celebration of Dave’s life will take place at 1:00 p.m. EDST on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at the Cowan Historic Mill, 4271 Southside Drive, Acworth, Georgia 30101. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in honor of David P. Mann.
