In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, stands Ridgmar Place, an independent living community for seniors. David, a resident there, shares his life journey marked by service, sportsmanship, and a steadfast commitment to bringing people together, a passion he continues to embrace at Ridgmar Place.
Roots in East Texas and Service in the Navy
David’s roots trace back to East Texas, specifically Longview, where he grew up surrounded by the warmth of family. His mother, now 99 years old, still lives there and is in excellent health. Following his upbringing in Longview, David felt a calling to serve his country and enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War.
“When Uncle Sam said, ‘I want you,’ I joined the navy,” he wryly says.
His time in the service instilled in him a deep sense of duty and camaraderie, which shaped his outlook on life.
A Love for Sports and Community Building
While David was stationed in Japan, an admiral asked him to visit his office. David thought, “Oh no, what have I done wrong now?” But lo and behold, the admiral recognized David’s strength as a leader and asked him to be a coach on base.
Coaching high school football and basketball became not just a job but a true passion for David. The connections he formed with young athletes and the sense of community he cultivated during his time in Japan left a lasting impact on him.
Upon returning to the United States, David continued to pursue his love for sports, eventually managing the Sportatorium, an arena used primarily for professional wrestling events for over two decades. During this time, David honed his leadership skills and learned the importance of fostering unity and camaraderie among people.
One notable example of David’s impact on the Fort Worth community is his friendship with a young woman and her family whom he met 23 years ago.
This woman, a single mother with two children who lived in his community, found solace and support in David’s friendship. He became her children’s mentor and grandfather figure, taking them to practice and offering guidance and encouragement along the way. One of the boys wrote a college essay about how David would pick him up for practice in a red minivan with a frozen Snickers and a cold Coke.
This story is a testament to David’s compassionate nature and willingness to go above and beyond to support those in need.
Making a Difference at Ridgmar Place
David’s acts of kindness are woven into the fabric of daily life at Ridgmar Place. He has a natural ability to bring people together and make everyone feel included and valued. Though retired, he loves organizing community events, planning activities, or delivering newspapers to his neighbors. He says he enjoys waking up at 4 a.m. and delivering newspapers to his fellow residents with mobility issues.
Reflecting on his role within the community, David said, “I love making a difference and bringing people together.” He works hard to make his home a place where residents and team members can collaborate to create an even stronger community.
Embracing the Spirit of Community
David’s story is a testament to the power of community and the profound impact that one individual can have on the lives of many. His dedication to bringing people together, acts of kindness, and unwavering commitment to serving others should inspire us all.
Whether through small acts of kindness or larger initiatives aimed at creating shared experiences, we can all follow in David’s footsteps and make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Embrace The Power of Community
Ridgmar Place brings older adults together to create a community that focuses on living well. Discover how to enjoy retirement through shared experiences and new friends like David. Contact us to arrange a visit!