David Louis Garriga

Mr. David Louis Garriga, 67, of Americus, Georgia, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2015, at home after a lengthy illness. He was born January 18, 1948 in Shreveport, LA to his late parents, Emmitt Garriga and Louise Bartholomew Garriga. David bravely withstood progress and setbacks for the last year of his life, with his devoted wife, Rhonda Gail, and her tremendous strength, at his side. At the age of 13, he moved with his family to Clinton, MS, where he quickly found his place and thrived in this small Southern Baptist town, making many lifelong friends. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1966, where he was a talented athlete, President of the Student Body, and Mr. CHS. After receiving his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ole Miss, he served as a helicopter pilot in the Army National Guard, and he enjoyed a long and successful career in economic development, which took him from North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, and, finally, to Georgia. In 1983, he became a Certified Economic Developer through the American Economic Development Council; at the time, one of only 250 in the United States. He was highly respected by colleagues in every place he worked and achieved a great deal in this demanding and challenging field. He retired as Director of the Americus-Sumter County PDA in March, 2013. Though he had been away from his boyhood home of Clinton for more than 25, years, "Dave" as he was called by family and friends, would often reminisce of growing up in this quiet hometown and his days of good times, old friends, and his family. He was the master of telling the Garriga family stories that kept them eternally in touch with their always colorful past. Dave was always the entertainer, always the center of any room. Humor was just who he was and his family thanks God for that. David loved music, and was a talented guitar player, singer and songwriter. Over the years at family gatherings, as well as with friends, he would pull out his guitar and sing, sometimes joined by his son, Kyle, and his daughter, Sara Beth. Music was in his bones. In years past, he was even known to jam at local clubs. He sang everything from Elvis, to Clapton, to McCartney. The Beatles were his favorite band. He also loved the beautiful Georgia mountains, where it was his hope to retire. Mr. Garriga is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Gail Geiger-Garriga; his daughter and son-in-law, Sara Beth Pillow and John Michael Pillow of Yazoo City, MS; his son and daughter-in-law, Kyle Garriga and Elizabeth Coody Garriga of Birmingham, AL; two brothers: Joe Garriga of Cantonement, FL and Doug Garriga and sister-in-law, Beverly Garriga of Acworth, GA; and a sister and brother-in-law, Suzi Nyberg and Don Nyberg of Clinton, MS; three grandchildren: Anne Elise Pillow, Lilly Pillow, and Owen Pillow; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a special Uncle, Carl Garriga. He will be so deeply missed by so many. The Garriga family will receive friends Friday evening, May 29, 2015, from 6 until 8 PM at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., Americus. The funeral service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Episcopal Church, with Father Rick Buechner officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Americus. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 804 Cherry St., Macon, GA 31201. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mr. David L. Garriga.