David Harl Vespie, born Jan 6, 1979, entered the gates of Heaven, by the grace of Jesus Christ, on July 5, 2026.  David was the son of the late Stanley Paul Vespie, PhD, LPC and Joyce Hembree Weaver.  David was preceded in passing by his grandparents Harl and Christine Vespie of Wartburg and Leonard (Herby) and Margaret Hembree of Dickson.   David is survived by the love of his life, Holly Fox-Vespie, their daughter Reagan Vespie, and stepdaughter Rease Jones, his three brothers, Paul (Angela) Vespie, Jonathan (Caitlin) Vespie, and Adam (Autumn) Vespie, his mother, Joyce (Mike) Weaver as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Jackson Funeral Home in Oliver Springs, TN is serving the family.

“DV” was a 1997 graduate of Wartburg Central High School, earning TSSAA All-State recognition in basketball his senior year.  David was the first basketball player in Wartburg’s history to be awarded this honor.  He played collegiately for Coach Randy Nesbitt at Roane State Community College, before transferring and completing his Bachelor’s Degree on full athletic scholarship at Bluefield College in Virginia.

His professional career spanned college coaching and admissions, financial services, music tour merchandise management, logistics management, with his best work coming as one of the best basketball officials in the State of Tennessee.  Colleagues across all fields described him as being an incredible teammate with a contagious passion for serving others.  David was recognized as a top tier TSSAA official in 2014 as he officiated alongside his father, Stan, in the TSSAA State Tournament.  David loved the game of basketball, and he gave back to the game and community with over 15 years of officiating high school, AAU, and college basketball games.

David will be best remembered as a proud Daddy, devoted Husband, cherished Son, adventurous Brother, best Teammate, and loyal Friend.  David never met a stranger nor hesitated to meet the needs of those around him.  Always up for an adventure, David loved to travel, loved spontaneity, competition, and music.  David epitomized kindness and never stopped thinking of others.  He was incredibly generous with his time and resources, choosing to store up treasures in Heaven.  “He must increase; I must decrease.” John 3:30.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life and love on Sunday July 26 at 2:00pm in the Roane State Community College Gymnasium in Harriman, TN.  Bring your stories and songs, as we thank God for David and all he gave us in his time on this side of eternity.

In lieu of flowers, David has requested that loved ones write letters to his daughter, Reagan, about their time and connection with him and consider contributing to her education fund.  Checks can be mailed to: GCA ATTN: Jill Akers 5914 Beaver Ridge Road Knoxville, TN 37931 (Reagan’s name in the memo).

In recent years, David began a personal ministry of giving away Bibles.  His peace is proclaimed in one of his favorite verses from the Bible, Ephesians 2:8, KJV.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”   You are encouraged to investigate the truths and peace of David’s life by learning from Dr. Stan Vespie’s Bible Mindset Channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsOCusB9TxJOIBES7zUzzpw.