I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Judge David Taunton died in his home surrounded by family on November 8, 2019 at the age of 80.
David was born on August 16, 1939 in Tallassee, Alabama to Luke and Leola Taunton. He graduated from Florida State University with a Ph.D. in Philosophy and attended law school at the University of Florida. He married Abigail Jackson in 1974. Together, they worked to achieve his dream of having a home for kids who had nowhere else to go. Over the next 44 years, they would take in over 400 children and raise them as their own with the hopes of helping each child grow up knowing unconditional love.
David had the gift to see everyone’s true potential, but most especially, that of his children who he believed capable of accomplishing anything they set their minds to. He left the world feeling so proud of all his children who he had watched grow into their potential.
David Taunton was a logger, teacher, principal, coach, pastor, newspaper editor, author, and the longest serving Gulf County judge with a tenure of 20 years. But most importantly, he was a dreamer with endless compassion for every person he encountered. He believed in second chances and never gave up on anyone. Helping those in need was his calling and he pursued it with his entire heart. He was the most caring dad, a loving and dedicated husband, a dependable brother, and a wonderful inspiration to everyone in his life. He was a friend to many and a hero to us all. His legacy will live on for generations because he touched countless lives and unquestionably made the world a better place.
IN LOVING
MEMORY
Aug. 16, 1939 -
Nov. 8, 2019
Tomorrow is supposed to be better
that’s what I thought yesterday.
But the only thing wrong with tomorrow
is it’s always a day away.
Don’t wait til tomorrow to be happy.
Tomorrow is just a day
That will be filled with faults of its own
just as was yesterday.
Stop for a moment and look at today,
at the blessings already here.
There’s an elderly mother and father,
but soon they disappear,
That need your love and affection today,
to know that they matter somehow,
And no amount of flowers tomorrow
can make up for your love now.
And then too there are tiny children
that want you to run and play
With them and hold them real tight in your arms,
in a very special way.
Tomorrow they will have families of their own
and not much time for you.
You will be the aged mother or father.
In tomorrow, what will you do?
Why wait? Enjoy your mother and father
and little children too,
For time never waited for anyone
nor will it wait for you.
David Taunton
Sept. 1981