 David
Wheeler Reagan
April 02, 1958 - January 08, 2019It is with bittersweet
emotions that the family of David Reagan announces his passing on
January 8th, 2019. He has shed the pain and struggles of the disease he
battled for over two decades. Born in Dallas, David grew up the youngest
of five in a loving, caring and fun seeking family. He was a
well-rounded guy having been skilled in things like storytelling, rugby,
oilfield work and chess among others. The use of certain skills might
result in a confused victim's reaction to one of his jokes or pranks. He
was deeply satisfied when he made people laugh and shared his desire to
keep life fun.
David was best known for mastering the art of barbecue. About a year
after he purchased a smoker for the backyard (where he experimented with
recipes), he opened a restaurant in an old gas station across from the
Dallas Arboretum. The family pitched in to build the kitchen and finish
out the dining room. After it opened, friends and family helped in the
kitchen just for fun or when help was needed. He had a large following -
certain organizations would use his catering services over and over to
feed employees or for regular business meetings. Because of his love for
law enforcement and fire fighters, he offered discounted meals. He truly
enjoyed talking to his guests. Sometimes they'd share old family
recipes, usually comfort foods like mac & cheese or desserts, so on
holidays many would bring David samples of those dishes. Once, a famous
actress was shooting a film at the arboretum. She was known to be a
vegetarian. When her assistant brought a rack of ribs for just a nibble,
it was rumored that she devoured the whole rack. (Name withheld to
protect the guilty.)
His family knew they meant the most to him and friends knew he always
had their back. He was a very proud dad. He set an example for his
children by showing how core values create a life rich in love. The kids
also learned that being silly has its advantages and goofing with
friends was mandatory. David also instilled the value of an education.
He was really good to give kudos when earned - hugs were the best
reward.
"To know him was to love him" is a commonplace phrase but was never
truer than with David.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert L Reagan.
David is survived by his mother Alice Reagan; wife Liana Reagan;
children Nicole Jones (husband Michael McDaniel) and William Reagan;
grandchildren John and Forrest; siblings Robert "Bubba" Reagan (wife
Christine), Elizabeth Bingham (husband Mike), Lynn Reagan, Carolyn
Baynham (husband Gary) and 6 nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, January 17, 2019
at the Allen Family Funeral Options Chapel with a celebration of life
party afterwards.
Special note:
It was David's wish that casual dress be enforced.
No coats, ties or other uncomfortably formal garments, please. |
Carrollton-Farmers
Branch TXGenWeb