David T. "D.D." Bodiford

NEWTON…Mr. David T. “D.D.” Bodiford, a resident of Newton, died early Tuesday evening, November 25, 2025, at his home. He was 73.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, November 30, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Griggs officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.

Mr. Bodiford was born on October 12, 1952, in the small town of Red Level, Alabama, where he began a life that would be marked by hard work, devotion, and love for his family. He grew up with strong values and a determination to succeed, graduating in 1970 from Walton County High School in Defuniak Springs, Florida. His love for learning and his natural curiosity led him to the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering—a field that allowed him to use both his sharp mind and his problem-solving skills.

In 1983, his life took its most meaningful turn when he married the love of his life, Nell. Together, they built a home in Newton, Alabama, where they shared not only years, but countless memories filled with laughter, faith, and the everyday joys of life. Their marriage was a true partnership, one that reflected deep love, respect, and commitment.

Throughout his career, Mr. Bodiford worked with GTE and SONY Corporation before retiring from General Electric Motors in Dothan. He was known for his strong work ethic and his ability to approach challenges with patience and determination. His colleagues respected him not only for his knowledge but also for his kindness and willingness to lend a hand.

Outside of work, Mr. Bodiford was a man of faith. He attended Bethel Baptist Church in Newton, where he found fellowship and strength. His faith was not just something he practiced on Sundays—it was woven into his daily life, guiding the way he treated others and the way he lived with gratitude and humility.

Family was always at the center of his world. He cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather, and those who knew him best will remember the way his face lit up when he was surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Litton and Mary Bodiford, his son-in-law, Larry Burcham, and his brother-in-law, Dr. Lynn Mayfield, DDS, losses that weighed heavily on his heart but never diminished the love he carried for his family.

Mr. Bodiford will be remembered as a man who lived with integrity, who loved deeply, and who left behind a legacy of faith, family, and hard work. His story is not just about the places he lived or the jobs he held, but about the countless lives he touched with his gentle spirit and steady presence.

Surviving relatives include his wife of forty-three years, Nell Bodiford; daughter, Paula Burcham, both of Newton; son, Pete Beasley (Kimberly), Midland City; sister, Ellen Mayfield, Defuniak Springs, Florida; four grandchildren, Misty Cherry (Mike), Kristy Barefield (Patrick), Jesse Beasley (Wendie), and Jolie Beasley (Devin Fields); five great-grandchildren, Madelyn Cherry (Drake Newman), Reese Barefield, Aaron Beasley, Ashlyn Beasley, and Emersyn Fields; several nieces and nephews including, Mary Chris Murray and Earl Elmore; his best friend, Randall Shirah.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Mike Cherry, Patrick Barefield, Jesse Beasley, Aaron Beasley, Drake Newman, Devin Fields, and David Mosely.