Obituary of David Faircloth

Marion County Sheriff's Office Captain David Franklin Faircloth, Jr. passed away unexpectedly at Munroe Regional Medical Center in the early morning hours of Friday, June 12, 2009. It was his 45th birthday.David was born and raised in Williston, Florida. He attended Williston High School, graduating in the Red Devil's class of 1982. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served for 4 years, promoting to rank E-5, Sgt. in the field of law enforcement as an M.P. and traffic accident investigator. He was honorably discharged in March of 1987.In 1986 he met Suzy of Gainesville, while in Daytona Beach on leave from the Marines. They were married one year later in June 1987. Suzy and David just celebrated their 22nd Wedding Anniversary last Friday, June 5th with a trip to Key Biscayne.In 1987, they settled in Ocala and he began working at the Sheriff's Office as a Corrections Officer in the jail. He went on to become a patrol deputy, before becoming a patrol Sergeant in 1997, accomplishing Lieutenant in April 2003 and finally as Captain, Watch Commander in patrol and Commander of the S.W.A.T. team.Dave loved the simple joys of life. He was a fan of the Florida Gators and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he enjoyed spending his days out on the boat with friends and family, camping, traveling, attending family get-togethers for the holidays and special occasions, reading Tom Clancy novels, taking his jeep out for drives with his wife, photography, fishing with his dad and father-in-law, gardening and grilling home grown vegetables, jogging, mastering do-it-yourself home renovation projects with his son, going on "Safaris" with his daughter, training on the 'O' course, researching genealogy, spending time with his high school and Marine buddies in Williston, and staying in for family home-movie nights. One of his fondest memories includes the recent cross country "Man Trip" he took with his lifelong best friends, Vern and Wiley Wade Weaver.David is survived by his wife Suzy, a son, Nicholas "Vance" Faircloth, 17, a daughter, Keirstin Nicholle Faircloth, 21, a look-alike graddaughter, Breanna Nicholle Helou, 2, his parents Clara and Fred Ashdown, Roberta and D. Franklin Faircloth, Sr., sister Cindy Cannon (Homer), sister Renee Mathis (Billy), sisters Brenda Whitney, Rene Zysek, Debbie Greer, and brothers David and Rodney Seuntjens, and five nieces and nephews.In addition, Dave leaves behind his S.W.A.T. brothers, whom he respected and admired beyond all measure.