David Lee Halladay, of Reed City, Michigan, was born June 28, 1944, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Robert W. and Irene H. (Kanouse) Halladay. He graduated from LeRoy High School in 1962.

On September 29, 1962, David married the love of his life, Virginia Pearl Randolph. They had met at age 11 in a sixth-grade class of only three students and were married at 18. Together they raised three sons, Timothy, Thomas, and Dennis. They shared 57 years of marriage until Virginia’s passing on December 3, 2019. David loved Virginia more than anyone in the world.

David’s career reflected both his mechanical genius and his deep devotion to family. He began as a Rambler mechanic in Grand Rapids (1962–1963), then worked at Diesel Equipment in Grand Rapids (1963–1965) and Rancour Manufacturing in Reed City (1965–1968). So committed was he to his family, that he once took a pay cut to move from Diesel Equipment to Rancour from $120 a week to $60, so he could spend more time with them. From 1968 to 1972 he operated Dave’s Body Shop. He next partnered with Neil Brunett at Reed City Manufacturing (1972–1976), which they started in the building that housed Dave’s Body Shop. Dave moved the body shop to the three stall garage behind his home, and continued this business on a part time basis (‘72-‘76). This is where his young sons learned to wet sand cars. Regrettably, the boys once happily wet sanded a car that was ready for delivery. 

In 1976, at age 31, David founded H & R Screw Machine Products, Inc. in the building that housed the body shop.  He served as owner and president until his retirement in 2017. The business he started continues strong more than fifty years later. 

From boyhood, David showed extraordinary mechanical aptitude. At age 11, local farmers regularly sought his help repairing tractors. When he was 14 Dave completely disassembled a Buick Dynaflo transmission, left three parts out, reassembled it and it functioned better than ever. Throughout his life he freely helped others with automobile problems, always with a loving demeanor.

Music was another of David’s great gifts. A true wizard on guitar and keyboard, he played lead guitar for many years with his band, Dave and the Drifters. Their favorite venues included Lincoln Township Hall, Henry’s Bar,The Eagles, The Old Sawmill, and even the rooftop of the A&W in Reed City. His musical tastes ran to classic country, Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, Merle Haggard, and others.

David loved driving his motorhomes, his Camaro, and Ford Galaxie. He also enjoyed woodworking, lawn-care, casino outings with Virginia; and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No matter how tight the budget in his family's early years, he made certain the family took vacations. Those trips remain fond, adventurous memories for his sons.

One of his favorite simple pleasures was eating at Menier’s Restaurant. Where Vera gave Dave extra food and this always made him happy.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Robert (Bud) Halladay, and by his brothers Robert (Bud), Bruce, and Gary. He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-laws, Timothy and Kristin (Appelhof) Halladay, Thomas and Tara (Updegraff) Halladay, Dennis and Jill (Nelson) Halladay, his sister Sandy (Halladay) Romine; and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For many who never had a father, or who longed for a great one, David filled that role. He helped countless people through his quiet kindness and pure generosity, and in turn was lifted by the kindness of others. His quick wit, love of a good joke, and ready smile brightened every room. He worked hard, loved deeply, and lived to bring joy to those around him.

To say David will be missed is an understatement. He will be overwhelmingly missed. Godspeed and safe travels, Dave. We will see you in Heaven. And everyone get ready to dance, because Dave and the Drifters are back!

Dave Halladay's interment will be August 21, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Ashton East Cemetery, in Ashton, Michigan. Dave Halladay’s Celebration of Life will be August 24, 2026,at Church of The Nazarene, 5300 220th Ave., Reed City, MI 49677. Visitation 10 a.m., Service 11 a.m. followed by lunch. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would love donations sent to The Alzheimer’s Association. (alz.org) Thank you.