David W. Carlson, 69, of Tifton passed away peacefully on Monday, February 6, 2023, at his residence. A graveside funeral service will be held for Mr. Carlson at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 13, 2023, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest. The Rev. Dr. Wayne Roe will officiate.
David was born May 17, 1953, in Dothan, Alabama, to Eleanor Kaplan Carlson and Harold W. Carlson. He graduated from Dothan High School and followed his sisters to Auburn University. A collector of objects and animals from a young age, David turned his avocations into his occupation, becoming a contractor who specialized in restoring old homes, cars, and household appliances.
He worked for the Hedstrom Company in Dothan and Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to Tifton in 1993 with his life partner of 38 years, Steven Lynn Dickson. Together they meticulously restored a Victorian-style home and filled it with David’s extensive collections of antique furniture, twentieth-century American ceramics, and mid-century appliances. A consummate storyteller and host, David, along with Steve, enjoyed entertaining their wide circle of friends and family. They lovingly cared for their dogs, cats, koi fish, and extensive gardens. He attended Tifton’s First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and by Steve, who passed away suddenly in 2021.
David is survived by his sisters, Geraldine “Gerry” Carlson Denham and husband Lee of Tifton, and Marilyn Carlson Miller and husband William of Virginia Beach, Virginia; by his niece, Catherine Miller of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and by his nephews, John D. Miller and wife Larissa of Farmville, Virginia; Michael Denham, wife Jennifer, and children Hank and Julia of Valdosta, Georgia; and David Denham, wife Catherine, and children Eleanor and Lucy Quinn, of Athens, Georgia.
David also leaves behind many wonderful friends in Dothan, Phoenix, Tifton and elsewhere, and his beloved cat companions, Beauregard and Myrtle.