09/03/2026
David Ray Satterwhite, 78, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Lufkin.
David was born February 8, 1948, at Naval Base San Diego, where his father was stationed in the Navy at the time. He was the son of Jesse “Bo” Satterwhite and Opal Knight Satterwhite.
David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lana; his parents; and his brother, John Satterwhite.
David graduated from Nacogdoches High School and joined the United States Navy. He completed boot camp at the San Diego Naval Training Center and later attended Electrician’s Mate School at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He proudly served aboard the USS Dyess, a destroyer in the Atlantic Fleet.
David married Lana Stamps on July 25, 1973, and together they raised three daughters, Kelly, Rae, and Teri. The girls liked to say Rae was Daddy’s girl, Teri was Daddy’s favorite, and that he chose Kelly. He loved being their Daddy. Professionally, he worked as an electrician at several places before joining the physical plant staff at Stephen F. Austin State University in 1983, where he remained until his retirement in 2011.
Retirement gave David plenty of time for some of the things he enjoyed most. He spoiled the cats his wife had rescued, and in recent years, he especially enjoyed entertaining the ladies and passers-by at his daughter’s hair salon on the square in Center. If he was not at the shop on the square, he was often making a Sonic run with his favorite sidekick and caregiver, his son-in-law, Heath.
Growing up, David loved fishing and hunting with his brothers, and throughout his life he enjoyed reminiscing about those good old days. He was always ready with a story to tell. David was patient, kind, generous to a fault, and loved his family dearly. But perhaps the traits that he will be most fondly remembered for were his wonderful sense of humor and playful nature. David always had a joke ready or a teasing remark to share, usually accompanied by a big grin and that familiar twinkle in his eye.
David is survived by:
Daughters and their spouses:
Kelly and husband Clay Leslie
Rae and husband Dave Martin
Teri and husband Heath Bolton
Grandson, Jeffery Satterwhite
Brother, Mike Satterwhite
Sister, Susan Satterwhite
Numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews
Pallbearers will be Clay Leslie, Dave Martin, Alton Knight, Steve Knight, Cliff Satterwhite, and Andrew Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Satterwhite and Heath Bolton.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 4, 2026, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. A graveside service will be held at 10am, Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Shady Grove Cemetery in Timpson, with his nephew, Rusty Sanford, officiating.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.
