David J. Hanby
David James Hanby, 23, a resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past year and a half, formerly of Centerville, OH was born into eternal life on Friday, June 30, 2017 in Cape Coral. He was born November 24, 1993 in Dayton, OH.
David was the kindest, funniest, compassionate, handsome and smart young man who loved basketball, his family and helping his friends. He was truly one-of-a-kind and would light up any room. He was selfless and loved everyone but struggled to love himself. He struggled with addiction after back surgery and chronic nerve pain treated with prescription drugs. But that wasn’t who he was. He didn’t want to die and celebrated 6-months clean the week before his death. He had 6 wonderful months and one fatal decision. Baptized on Easter of last year, he was new in his relationship and walk with Christ. This is God’s way of saying, “I got this…. He’s mine.” He is no longer suffering and those of us feeling the pain of his loss are at peace knowing he is free. David has been a light to so many in his community in Florida. We know his life mattered and made a difference. David was amazing and people who knew him knew that.
He is survived by his loving parents, Mark and Debra Hanby of Centerville, OH; two brothers, Michael and Nicholas Hanby, both of Centerville, OH; three uncles, Mark Witsaman (Lynn) of Melbourne, FL, Brian Witsaman (Tracy) of Indianapolis, IN and Michael Hanby (Lesli) of Tuscan, AZ; as well as numerous cousins.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 29, 2017at Centerville United Methodist Church 9:30 AM-11:00 AM with a Memorial Service immediately following.
Memorial Contributions in memory of David James Hanby are suggested to Centerville United Methodist Church where they will be gifted to New Hope Church on Xenia Avenue to fight addiction and help others in our community.
Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
Dear Hanbys, We wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. David played hard and laughed easily on the high school, co-ed soccer team that Jeff coached. And, before moving to Florida, David was such a help with home maintenance for me here in Nestle Creek. Prayers, Deb and Jeff
I remember hanging around with David all day in the ace unit at CHS, he always knew how to make us laugh and smile. It’s so sad to think that he’s really gone my condolences to the Hanby’s in these tough times.
Debbie – we are so, so sorry to learn of David’s passing. We cannot even begin to imagine your pain. But God can. He knows – He lost a son too. Please know that we will be praying for you and your family. David’s impact on this world will live on because God does not waste hurt. We have faith that David’s struggles will inspire others to persevere and that even better health management options will be discovered. Ultimately, David’s life – and how courageously he battled – will serve a greater purpose. Meantime, please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you. God is still there and loves you all. May the peace of the Lord find you, Debbie, and the entire family. We are so sorry you have to go through this time. Paul & Nancy
My thought and prayers are with your family. I know you are a strong family. You will get through this together.
I want to say that Dave was truly an amazing person. When I first moved into the recovery house in Florida Dave was kind and hospitable from the moment we met. Dave and I shared a love for basketball and he actually fractured his ankle when he landed on my foot while we were playing ball. I felt terrible and couldn’t stop apologizing as i sat with him In the ER. Dave wouldn’t hear it. He had a truly gentle soul. Never angry or cross, Dave was a joy to be around. My deepest condolences for the Hanby family. I find solace knowing that God has my friend in his starting line up.
Dear Hanby Family, We are so sorry for your loss and are sending our love and hugs as you gather to celebrate David’s life. You were one of the first families to visit us in Ashland, OR and I remember how excited David was to find Hanby Lane on the way to visiting the coast. I remember lots of laughs and fun, too, while we still lived in Dayton. Peace to you. Love, Mark, Jodi, Chas & Katy
My deepest condolences to David\’s family and friends. I only met David once, several days before his death. He is the one who answered the door in the middle of the night, when I had to deliver the worst news to my son. His brother had been killed in a motorcycle accident. Seeing how distraught I was, David showed genuine concern. I am grateful for that concern. I also want to let you know I truly know how you feel as few can. I also lost my son, and my other Son struggles with opiate addiction. There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain because I have yet to find any to lessen mine. Praying that David rest peacefully in the arms of Christ and his family find some peace in this knowledge.
Remembering him as he was just a small child knowing what a great man he was going to turn out to be. My heart breaks for you Debra and Mark Nick and Mike. You’re in my prayers. For he is in a better place of no suffering no depression but the love of his Heavenly Father to comfort him.
Our condolences to an obviously loving and caring family. He was a sweet, beautiful young man. Our hearts are broken.
To the Hanby family, I met your son while I was at White Sands this past January and February. David was like a son to me, actually the same age as my youngest son. He was such a sweetheart and I just loved him to pieces. Most times I’d see him he’d say, “Sally Dallas, I just love that name.” He made me laugh all the time and helped me learn to enjoy life again. He even taught me the gorilla dance the day before he left so I could surprise my son at the fraternity mom’s weekend coming up when I returned home. I am sad to say we never had the opportunity to have a long conversation but we did have a few short ones that were very insightful. I was also in some sessions with him and between the two, came to learn a lot about who he really was as a person. I could see he had his struggles but he was very determined to get it right. He was someone who wanted to live and be the best he could be. I was extremely upset upon hearing the news of his passing and spent a lot of time crying. Then one night, later that same week, I was having a bonfire and a poem came to me so I wanted to share it with you. Its rather short, unlike David, but it meant a lot that it came to me. I know it was David letting me know he didn’t mean to leave this world and that he will be with us, watching over us and living in our hearts forever. Excuse the Gumby but that’s what I always called him. I hope you don’t mind and I use it lovingly. Sincerely, Sally Dallas “For Gumby” A song whispered softly in my ear last night, as it glided along with the breeze The melody so enchanting, and I watched as it tickled the trees. Through my tears I could hear the laughter, as it danced all about the night I felt so warm and cozy, like an old friend holding me tight. Growing waves in the cool green grass, ringing every chime as it drifted past And I smiled as I embraced the joy, praying each moment wasn’t the last. It stretched up to the sky, through the Milky Way it danced all about Then taking a slide on Jupiter’s rings, it seemed to all but fizzle out. Yet just as I thought it was gone for good, I heard it softly whisper once again; Feel the joy of life, be at peace my friend, always remember me with a smile And if the day may come, when you need a friend, I’ll be with you all the while…
Mark, Deb Words are never adequate, but have been thinking often of you and what it means to lose a child. You and your family are in our prayers.