David Harold Alderson

David Harold Alderson, age 76, a longtime resident of  the Water Valley Community, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, June 14, 2024.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Baxter officiating. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army. Burial will follow in Santa Fe Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a Masonic Service beginning at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on July 24, 1947, in Columbia, Tennessee, David was the beloved son of the late Paul E. Alderson and the late Madge D. Alderson. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1965 and served his country honorably in the U.S. Army, during the Vietnam era.

On June 22, 1968, David married the love of his life, Elaine Maxwell. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and dedication to their community.

David's legacy lives on through his son, Anthony Paul Alderson of Water Valley; his brother, Norris (Susan) Alderson of Franklin, Tennessee; his cherished grandchildren, Kaitlin (Zack) McPeak of Columbia, Tennessee, and Jasmine Craig of Santa Fe, Tennessee; and his precious great-grandchildren, Brighten and Baylor McPeak of Columbia, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Gary (Dianne) Maxwell, Bootie (Cathy) Maxwell, Randy (Beverly) Maxwell, and Tracy (Kim) Maxwell; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

David had a distinguished career at Union Carbide Company from which he retired, all while managing his farm where he was raised. He was passionate about raising Santa Gertrudis cattle and became well-known for fitting and showing this breed across the Southeast United States. His dedication to the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI) was evident through his nine years on the Board of Directors and his involvement in various committees over the last twenty years. His farm, Circle A, was celebrated as SGBI Breeder and Exhibitor of the Year five times, and he proudly showed twelve National Champions and bred three National Champions.

A man of deep faith, David was a member of the former United Methodist Church of Santa Fe.  David was also an active member of the Santa Fe Masonic Lodge.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Paul E. Alderson and Madge D. Alderson. His legacy of kindness, hard work, and community service will be remembered by all who knew him.

Active pallbearers will be Brian Alderson, Daryl Brown, Jerry Dodson, Tommy Dawes, Dr. Joel Locke, Michael Maxwell, Darren Richmond, and Arlin Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will include Henry Harris, Winfred Baker, Dr. Eslick Daniel, Doug Gardner, Randy Ragsdale, Charles Stewart, and Wesley Umstead.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Santa Fe Cemetery, c/o Mark or Mimi Priest or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

David will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

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