David Coleman Staley

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints in your heart.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Obituary

David Coleman Staley, 66, of Weems, Virginia, passed away in his sleep on May 30, 2026. Born on November 14, 1959, he was the son of William and Ruth Staley. He made his way through life as a florist, bringing creativity and care to his work, and he also loved acting, a natural fit for someone so expressive, confident, and never far from a little humor.

David had a gift for making ordinary moments funnier, louder, and somehow more memorable. He could turn a simple story into a full performance, and by the end of it, you were laughing so hard you forgot how it started in the first place. He had the rare ability to be both the cause of the chaos and the person you wanted next to you in the middle of it, the friend who showed up with confidence, questionable directions, and a plan that somehow worked out anyway. He made people feel included, seen, and entertained, sometimes all in the same five minutes.

What made David so special was not just that he was funny, it was that his humor came from generosity. He made hard days lighter and gave people stories they will be telling for years. That generosity of spirit was tested when a car accident left him quadriplegic. For a time his light was dimmed as he struggled to find his footing in a new way of living. But even then, he reminded us that life is not only something to survive, but something to enjoy, preferably with good company and a little mischief.

His kindness, his timing, and his ability to make a room feel warmer just by being present left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. And while he would probably roll his eyes at us getting too sentimental, we think he would also be pleased to know that he is still doing what he always did, bringing people together, making us laugh, and giving us something unforgettable to carry with us.

David will be deeply missed by those who loved him and by all who were lucky enough to share in his laughter. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched with warmth, wit, and genuine affection.

Timeline

1979

David moves to NYC to pursue acting

Uptown on 8th Ave!

New York City, NY

Gallery

Videos

Memory wall

June 14, 2026

Like

1 million years ago David and I met at Catholic University. We were both hung over. It was an important theater class at the beginning of the first semester in September but we didn’t care. We decided to skip the rest of the day at the coffee shop in the Shrine of Immaculate Conception. Remember you could smoke cigarettes at that time anywhere, it didn’t matter including on TV like Walter Cronkite; so we spent the day in the coffee shop smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee and learning who each other was. This was 1978 at Catholic University - that day cemented our friendship and soon after I met Susan. I remember somebody had some old Chevy — I don’t know if it was David’s or Susan‘s, but I think it was Susan’s. Following that the three of us became inseparable through relationships with other people, divisions with other friends, although quite rare, lifestyle choices, brand new brilliant friendships - it didn’t matter. I am grateful we were forever, gonna be in each other’s lives. For me I saw us as the Three Musketeers of the 80s. David and I had one out, but I/we got over it. I was so grateful to be a part of his life again — enjoying the support that he provides to everyone young and old, my mother for example, my husband, Tim. Life having David was a good thing. It was a brilliant thing. It’s a shame that it’s over, but we are at that point in our lives. This is when that begins to happen. Thank you David. I love you.

Leslie Byrne

June 14, 2026

3

You might know him as David but I know him as a Father. I will miss him so much, his laughter and his smile. I remember when David ask if we could cook something, we made pasta together I remember he told me that he would always be there for me. I will miss him from moon and back. In my next life we meet again.♾️💕

Eva Gueye

June 13, 2026

4

David was a part of my life for over 20 years, and during that time we shared so many wonderful memories together. He brought so much joy into my life and took me to places I never imagined I would have the chance to see. He was always fun to be around, and his presence could brighten any room. What made him even more special was the love he had for my family. He treated them as if they were his own, and that meant so much to all of us.

We shared many experiences together. We created beautiful flower arrangements, and he was always encouraging me to learn more about floristry because he wanted to teach me how to become a florist. We spent time fishing, laughing, and enjoying life's simple moments. I will never forget our first trip to Jamaica, where we visited Dunn's River Falls and made memories that will stay with me forever. He also loved when I made curry chicken for him, and those moments in the kitchen became some of the memories I cherish most.

David was a loving, caring, honest, and kind-hearted person. He touched the lives of so many people with his warmth, generosity, and genuine spirit. It is difficult for me to imagine a world without him in it because he was such an important part of my life for so many years.

My heart is broken, and I will miss him more than words can express. I am grateful for every memory, every laugh, every adventure, and every moment we shared together. Though you are no longer here with us, your love and the memories we created will remain in my heart forever.

Rest in peace, my love. You will always be loved, always remembered, and never forgotten.

Love Erica ❤️

Erica Robinson

Family tree

Other family members

Betty Lou Davis

Aunt

Ruth Delphine Staley

William Coleman Staley

Donald Staley

‹

›

Donald Staley

‹

›

‹

›

David Staley

Favorites

Service

Donate

Subscription