David Alan Berresford

David Alan Berresford went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 4, 2023,
in Knoxville, Tennessee where he and his wife made their home for the past two years.
David was born on Oct. 30, 1948, to the late Wayne and Dorothy (Rizor) Berresford in
Chicago, IL. He was born with a deep love of learning and adventure that inspired his loved
ones throughout the course of his life. This thirst for learning led him to earn a Bachelor of
Science degree in history and religion and a Master of Educational Administration degree,
which he used in his service as a minister and teacher in Christian churches across
Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Mexico, and later when he worked as a favorite middle school
teacher at Beaver Local School District in Columbiana County, Ohio and a beloved
elementary school principal in Smithville, Ohio.

His lifelong love of books was readily evident in his extensive and eclectic personal library,
as well as the two books he authored: “A Yellow Raincoat and Other Memories” and “From
Despair.” Books are said to open windows to the world, and David needed little prompting
to explore the world he glimpsed through these windows. With his Welsh heritage, he came
to regard Wales as almost a second home and was able to travel with his wife to Wales
several times. He loved to share photos, stories, and snippets of Welsh language with
family and friends. David loved college football and was a lifelong enthusiastic Ohio State
Buckeyes fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert. David leaves behind his
cherished wife and traveling companion Darlene and their five children: Rachel (Dave)
Adair, Jonathan (Alyssa) Berresford, Kim (James) Gilbert, Seth Berresford, and Kathy (Jim)
Ackerman. He is also survived by his grandchildren Collin (Courtney), Gabriella, Taryn,
Madison, Caden, Andrew, and James, as well as great-granddaughter Easton. Of course, no
description of family could be complete without including David’s faithful companions
Tenby and Lily, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named for his wonderful adventures in
Wales.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of this inspiring husband, father,
teacher, and friend at Woodlawn Christian Church, 4339 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN
37920 on Saturday, May 20 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be
made to the Sacred Ground Hospice House (https://sacredgroundresidentialhospice.com/). 

Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Berresford family.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.gentrygriffey.com

Cymru am byth!

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