John David "Dave" Lunceford

John David “Dave” Lunceford, 64, of Mountain City, Tennessee, passed away on August 24, 2026.

Dave was born on June 16, 1962, in Mountain City, Tennessee, to the late Gordie and Clara Lunceford. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud Pawpaw, brother, friend, mentor, and dedicated servant to his community.

Dave shared 43 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Rebecca Faith Lunceford. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, hard work, and service. Rebecca was not only his wife, but his partner through all of life’s adventures and challenges.

Dave was a loving father to his two sons, Jonathan David Lunceford and Thomas Patrick Lunceford. He was also blessed with two wonderful daughters-in-law, Dawn Lunceford and Kristen Lunceford. Dave loved Dawn and Kristen dearly and was incredibly proud to call them his daughters-in-law. He welcomed them into his family with an open heart and cherished the special relationships he shared with each of them.

Perhaps the role that brought Dave the greatest joy was being Pawpaw to his grandchildren: Annabelle Lunceford, Bexleigh Mahoney, Autumn Lunceford, and Copelan Lunceford.

His grandchildren held an especially precious place in his heart. Dave loved being their Pawpaw and treasured every moment he spent with them. He was proud of each one of them and loved watching them grow. The love he had for his grandchildren could be seen in his smile, heard in his stories, and felt by everyone around him.

His family was his greatest accomplishment and his greatest source of happiness.

Dave worked many different jobs throughout his life and was never afraid of hard work. For many years, he operated his own mechanic shop, where his knowledge, determination, and willingness to help others became well known throughout the community.

Dave also had a deep love for farming and raising cattle. For nearly 40 years, he shared that passion and hard work with his very special friend, Mr. Dave Wilson. Together, they worked the land, cared for cattle, and shared countless memories. Farming was more than work to Dave—it was a way of life.

But Dave’s greatest legacy may be found in the countless lives he touched through his service to others.

For more than 40 years, Dave proudly served as a member of the Doe Valley Volunteer Fire Department. For the last 26 years of that service, he served as Fire Chief.

His dedication to the fire department and to the citizens of Johnson County was unwavering.

Dave didn’t simply wear the title of Fire Chief—he lived it.

Throughout his decades of service, he became a mentor, friend, teacher, and leader to generations of firefighters. He answered calls, stood beside his fellow firefighters, helped neighbors in their darkest moments, and devoted countless hours to protecting the people and communities he loved.

To the citizens of Johnson County, Dave was more than a firefighter. He was someone they could count on.

He also served as a volunteer with the Johnson County Rescue Squad for more than 11 years, continuing his lifelong commitment to helping others and making his community a safer and better place.

Dave’s life was built around service—not because he sought recognition, but because helping people was simply who he was.

He will be remembered for his hard work, his willingness to help, his leadership, his love of farming and cattle, his dedication to the fire service, and, most of all, his love for his family.

Dave leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by years or accomplishments alone. It lives on in the firefighters he mentored, the citizens he helped, the friends he made, the family he loved, and especially in the grandchildren who brought so much joy to his life.

He taught those around him the value of hard work, loyalty, courage, family, and serving others. His boots may now be still, but the path he built for those who follow him will continue for generations.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Rebecca Faith Lunceford; his sons, Jonathan David Lunceford and Thomas Patrick Lunceford; his daughters-in-law, Dawn Lunceford and Kristen Lunceford; his grandchildren, Annabelle Lunceford, Bexleigh Mahoney, Autumn Lunceford, and Copelan Lunceford; his brother, Ray Lunceford (Lisa); sisters-in-law, Karen Grant (Donnie) and Teresa Holt (Dennis); brother-in-law, David Robinson (Roda); as well as friends, fellow firefighters, rescue squad members, and countless members of the Johnson County community whose lives he touched.

Dave’s greatest legacy is not simply the years he served, but the people he served and the family he loved.

Above all, he was a man who loved his family and his community with his whole heart.

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

A funeral service for Dave will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Hux & Lipford Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM prior to the funeral service.  A graveside service will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.  

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Lunceford, Thomas Lunceford, Adam Lunceford, Michael Fritts, Jerry Roark, and Adam Trivette.

Honorary pallbearers are Members of the Doe Valley Fire Department. 

Online condolences and memories may be sent to the family through our website at www.huxlipfordfh.com. 

Hux & Lipford Funeral Home 300 W. Main St. Mountain City, TN is honored to serve the family of Dave Lunceford.