David Purcell Haines, 76, of Woodbury passed away on October 5, 2025, at his home
was preceded in death by his parents Andrew Simpson Haines and Jane Purcell Haines,
also by a son, Alex Haines.
He is survived by his wife, Cyndi Haines of Woodbury, son, Robert (Christina) Bolton of
Murfreesboro, daughters, Laura Leath of Woodbury, Lacy (Reid) Conner of Christiana,
and Stacie (Jeremy) Simmons of Woodbury, brother, Martin (Brenda) Haines of Texas,
fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren, and by his protector and
companion, One Eye, the Chihuahua.
David was a man blessed with an abundance of gifts in life. Although, one of those
wasn't the gift of height. Even so, he did possess an uncanny talent for agility and
balance in his early years. He used it to compete as a gymnast in high school and
college. Another of his gifts was his ability to make people laugh and put them at ease
with a funny quip or joke. He wore a smile and kept things on the lighter side even when
serious situations presented themselves.
Growing up in an area of Pennsylvania where the Amish were prevalent, he decided to
learn carpentry as a teenager in high school. This was an excellent choice for his future
endeavors as a general contractor and home builder. Not to mention, building Cyndi's
home was how they met and fell in love. She was drawn to his sense of humor and his
skill as a craftsman. They hit it off and decided to tie the knot on November 13, 1998.
Blending their two families into one home. David put family first and looked forward to
spending time with his children and grandchildren at every opportunity.
The family spent many happy hours together on the water. David enjoyed boating and
water skiing, but fishing on the other hand was not his forte. While he didn't like to fish,
cooking and eating fish was definitely his speed. He was the family grill master, and they
all loved his fish, burgers, and his specialty, drunk chicken and turkey. Being outdoors,
camping, and grilling brought a special kind of peace. He and Cyndi took many camping
trips to National and State Parks all over the country.
David's business degree from college served him well in his contracting. He did start to
tire of the building trade. He tried his hand at truck driving for a while too. He did enjoy
getting to see the countryside and staying busy.
David didn't require fancy things to make him happy. A cool looking Hawaiian shirt and a
pair of shorts was business attire for him a lot of the time. One area he did splurge in
was his love of vintage stereo equipment. Being an audiophile, he knew the quality of
sound of a classic tube stereo. He would often buy one that needed some work and
send it off to have the tubes redone. When it came back, he was sure to crank out some
good tunes for the family get togethers. His down-to-earth view of things and his sense
of humor were things that carried on into the next generations of the family. You're sure
to hear his voice underlying one of their quick-witted comebacks or jokes at the next
family gathering, or in the chorus of one of his favorite songs when you crank the old
school stereo.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the doctors, nurses, staff,
and chaplin of Gentiva Hospice for their care and compassion through the latter part of
his illness. Jenni Brooker, Christie Butler, Jennifer Nelson, Kimberly Reid-Ross, Tanner
Grazier, Benjamin Phillips, and Jackie Eggleston.
Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, October 11, 2025,
from 10-1 pm. A graveside service will follow at Cherry Cemetery at 1:30 pm. Tim Gentry
will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial donations made be given to the American
Cancer Society. Share condolences and stories at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com
Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-
5337. Because every life has a story.