David Alan Knox was born February 9, 1967, in Garland, Texas to Gwen and Goldya Knox. David was carried into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, May 11, 2024. In the Lord’s great mercy and grace, David’s best friends and bandmates were at his side.
Those who knew David knew he was happiest fulfilling the role of “Drummer Dave.” Though he officially started drumming at twelve, his Mother told stories of him as a child drumming on anything he could get his hands on. This continued into adulthood, where every steering wheel and countertop became a drum set.
He was gentle and patient, happy to stay in the background, observing what was taking place around him. He had a quiet courage. Throughout his battle with kidney disease, even when it was obvious he was suffering, questions about his wellbeing received the same answer: “Oh, I’m doing alright.” He refused to be the center of attention. Friends described him being “easy” to be with. His calm demeanor paired perfectly with his beloved wife, Dana. Dana is a social butterfly. She use to prod David to join in whatever fluttering she was doing. “I just like to watch you,” was his admiring response. Like a rock upon which the storms of life broke, David was Dana’s rock. Whenever she was flustered, David was there with his loving and immovable presence, calming her fears, easing her frustrations, reminding her that our God is in the heavens and is in control of all things. Not a day went by where “I love you” wasn’t said and heard. Their love built a home and an unbreakable bond between them and their children.
David’s true calling was fatherhood. Whether it was learning a dance routine to share the stage with his daughter Shelby, driving Slade to one of his many extracurricular activities, or dodging thrown meatballs at the dinner table, he did all with joy and love. He would do anything, go anywhere—at anytime—for his children. He taught them to love their neighbor and to fear the Lord. David is an astonishing example of what a loving father should be. And though short-lived, the Lord has never created a better Pawpaw. His grandson, Jones, has now taken his Pawpaw’s place as the family drummer. And David has the best seat in the house for all of Jones’s future performances.
David Knox was preceded in death by his father, Gwen Knox, and mother, Goldya Knox. He is survived by his loving wife of thirty years, Dana Knox; daughter, Shelby Nelson and husband Garrett; son, Slade Knox; sister Sherri Skelton and husband John; sister Sharla Jones; and many nieces and nephews. David was the proud Pawpaw of Jones Gregory (JG) Nelson.
Services for David are at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2024, at The Cross Church in Wylie, Texas. Burial immediately following. Time of visitation is from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Home in Sachse, Texas.