August 4, 1945 – April 20, 2020
David Justus was born August 4, 1945, in Alexandria, Louisiana, where his father was stationed at the close of WWII, but his hometown was Knoxville, Tennessee. David played Little League Baseball, was an Eagle Scout, President of his senior class and was rumored to have had the very best chemical lab in all of Knoxville in his parents’ basement. After graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in chemical engineering, David moved to Port Arthur, Texas and began working in the engineering field. After completing his Masters at Lamar University, David’s career took him to Houston, Los Angeles and back to Houston again. It was there he met Sally playing in co-ed volleyball league. After an 18-month courtship, they married March 18, 1978.
Sally joined David at Second Baptist Church, Houston, where David had been a member for several years. They were both in attendance when Dr. Ed Young was called as the new pastor in August that same year! David enjoyed teaching a young adult Bible Study class and a young married couples class at Second Baptist. He became a deacon and was involved in several building campaigns. When the Second Baptist West Campus opened its doors, David continued to serve in many ways. His joy was teaching Bible Study in several adult classes. In addition to his avid church ministry, Dave loved classic cars, home improvement projects, and walks in his neighborhood where he never met a stranger.
David is survived by his wife, Sally, and their daughters, Dr. Carolyn Justus and Stephanie Justus, and by his brother, Bill Justus.
I grew up about 2 blocks from the Justus family and knew David from grammer school through high school.
He was ALWAYS an easy person to know and love, as was/ is the entire Justus family.
Even though I have only seen and talked to him once, in decades, I will miss knowing he was happy in Texas.
My heart is broken !
I pray for ” the peace that surpasses all understanding” for all of the Justus family.
This breaks our heart but know his home now is completely done and beautiful. Love you so very much.
I have so many memories of the Justus family as a young boy growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee. David, his brother Bill, their mother Carolyn and dad, Horace. David and Bill’s mother was a nurse for Dr. Hubert Hill in Knoxville. I remember going through a pretty rough health issue when I was 4 or 5 years old (Asthma and Pneumonia). Carolyn and Dr. Hill came to my home (yes, a Doctor’s home visit….good luck getting that done today) several times during my illness and I still to this day have the clearest image of her standing over my bed attending and comforting me. David and Bill’s dad, taught a Government class at Fulton High School that David, Bill and I attended. He was such a good teacher and such a good man. He had a friendly face and always a kind word. Our families saw one another frequently as Bill and I were team mates in Basketball and Football from the time we were in our early teens through High School. Bill was the best athlete I ever competed with and I never competed against a better athlete than Bill. Bill was an All-State High School Basketball and Football player and became an All-American in Basketball at the University of Tennessee under the guidance of the legendary Ray Mears. I have only seen Bill 3 or 4 times since High School but I think of him, David and the Justus Family often. They were such good people. The last, and I believe the only time I had seen David since High School was several years ago at, I believe, the 50th Anniversary of our High School. He was with Bill and I remember asking David, in jest, if he still high jumped (he was an outstanding high jumper for the Track Team)….and he laughed, he laughed all over, which is another thing I remember about him….when he laughed, his whole body laughed.
I remember David and Bill being very close. True Brothers in every sense of the word…unquestioned loyalty to one another…..one day at a Day Camp the three of us and many others attended in the late 50s, something happened….. and before I knew what was going on, it became David and Bill against any and all takers. I suspect someone had said or done something to one of them and they were taking up for each other….I remember this being quite an intense moment.
The Justus Family has been an inspiration to me nearly my entire life, especially since my early teens and well past High School and College. I mourn for David’s Family and my friend, Bill.
Sid Seals
Our sympathy to all of the family. We have such sweet homeschooling basketball memories. May the Lord comfort you all.
It was blessing when David and Sally moved to our neighborhood he was such a good friend when Mickey was so sick l will miss him but he is now with Mickey telling all those wild stories
Knowing Dave Justus and being “close “ neighbors when we moved out to Katy was one of our best decisions . Dave and Sally and the girls were such fun and true friends . One of our girls had a sick kitten and we drove over to see if “dr.” Dave could help us out. Unfortunately it died In The car before we got to their house , but Dave made a big deal of a post-mortem and promised a terrific burial for said kitten, helping my daughter through her sorrow. He was such a neat guy! We had many a good time with all the Justus’ as our lives intertwined for many years. Dave will be missed…. but I am sure that his prayer list will go on being answered even after he arrived in Heaven. I know that his faithfulness was an example to all. We love all of you!
I don’t know how I’m gonna fix stuff around the house anymore! Bless you Sally, Carolyn, Stephanie, and Billy! I will look forward to seeing Bro. Dave on the golden shores of heaven!
It was our privilege to know Dave and Sally. Such a loss for Sally, but she knows they will be together again. When we joined Second, they were the first couple who introduced themselves in SS and sat with us. Made a big impression on both of us. God calls an angel home.
David was an incredible personality. Extraordinary, Servant to the Word and Excellence in all things come to mind when thinking about David. Bigger than life, full of laughter, yet a brilliant mind, he was genius. He allowed himself to be harnessed by the Spirit in such a beautiful way. He was steady under pressure and someone dependable and very responsible. A great example to Robert and I of what stewardship is. A fantastic wit. We always felt like something great was about to happen just being around him. His way of teaching God’s word was masterful, yet he made it easy and simple to understand. David’s sense of humor and that huge laugh is what we will remember along with that David look. The mischievous, but friendly twinkle in his eye and his big beautiful smile. David had the unique gift of making you feel like he was your friend, whether you were or not. He loved his Sally and his very precious girls and his love for Jesus will live forever more. David made a true, memorable and measured impact, a huge impact for good, on everyone around him. Those kind of folks are one in a million. We count ourselves very blessed to have known him and be known by him. I know he heard His Master say, ” Well Done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.”
Helene and I were saddened by this but also we’re rejoicing at Dave’s graduation. We met Dave and Sally as members of Excitement Class many years ago at Woodway campus. Dave’s sense of humor and generosity were larger than life. Our prayers and blessings for Sally and the family. Dave left behind a beautiful legacy.
✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️
Numbers 6:24-26
24 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” ’
Dave was a “one of a kind” Bible study teacher. While a member at the West Campus Second Baptist some years ago, he was one of our teachers. He ALWAYS had the best stories to wrap into the lessons that just made the Bible verses come to life, and with a smile and usually a laugh or two. He was truly a man of God. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.”
Psalm 116:15
Our love & condolences go out to Sally & all Dave’s family & close friends. Oh how he will be missed. But, we rejoice in knowing that he’s having a glorious homecoming.
I’m sorry for your loss Bill, you and David and your Mom and Dad had always been so nice to me. I miss seeing you at West Hills Baptist and talking basketball.
David and Billy’s mother lived a couple of doors down from me in Knoxville.
Got to see them both a lot when they visited her. He had a wonderful smile and laugh – we had a great time remembering high school days – he and Billy at Fulton – me at West.
so sorry
Our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family. We knew David and his family from his childhood to his adult years and he was as described — gregarious, dependable, smart, and kind. He will be missed by his many friends.
Hubert C. Hill Family
David was like a brother and the best friend I ever had growing up. He, Billy and their mom and dad were my second family early in life. Words can’t express the loss I feel, but no one could
experience a better life than David enjoyed. He loved Sally, “little Billy” and Carolyn and Horace unconditionally as he did his wonderful daughters and all his friends.
We are all better people for having known David and I am looking forward to seeing him again.
Lillian and I want you to know you will be in our prayers. Stay strong as David would not have it any other way.
We love you,
Gary and Lillian Napolitan
Bill, just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you. We are so sorry to hear about David. We will be praying for you. Jan & Tommy Holmes
So sorry to learn of David’s passing.
I have been a fan of the Justus family for a long time.
David’s mother, Carolyn, managed our office for many years.
His father, Horace, was one of the finest people you could know.
I always enjoyed knowing and admired David as well as his brother Billy.
With love and best wishes,
John L. Montgomery, Jr. M.D.
University Eye Specialists,
Knoxville, TN
Dear Sally,
Our heart goes out to you. We sincerely hope you are being comforted by all of the prayers for you and your family.
As a very young Christian in learning about Jesus Christ we were blessed to be taught by Dave Justice in Sunday school. We can still in our minds see him walking back and forth in front of the Homeland Security Sunday School class teaching the Word of God. We always felt loved to be part of an awesome group of Christians. We are both so grateful for knowing Dave. He was funny and loved by so many people. We are so grateful our paths crossed.
Please accept our sincere condolence.
Flo & Obie Tuten
Sally, please know that you and your girls are in our prayers. Dave was one of the most cheerful, funny, make you feel good people I have ever known. He will be missed by many.
Sally, Carolyn and Stephanie our heartfelt prayers and condolences in Dave’s passing. We had so many great memories of watching our girls playing basketball and growing up together, and Dave was always a part of that. He had such a great sense of humor and we will always remember that about him and his warm and caring personality. I know he will be missed and we will keep you all in our prayers.
Blessings to the Justus families now and forever. Never forgotten