David Franklin Ginn passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on January 31, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He leaves a legacy defined by devotion to family, leadership in business, service to his country, and a life lived with passion and purpose.

Born on January 28, 1940, in Jacksonville, Florida, David grew up in Gainesville and graduated from P.K. Yonge. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1963 aboard the USS Independence. Following his military service - and a brief adventure in California to pursue an acting career in Hollywood, an idea he wisely abandoned - he attended the University of Florida. There he met the love of his life, Judith Lesawyer. They were married on April 25, 1964, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned 62 years. Their marriage was the foundation of his life and his greatest source of pride.

David began his professional career with Gainesville City Bank and went on to build a distinguished career in mortgage banking. He started in St. Petersburg with Stockton Whatley Davin & Company (SWD), where he rose to Senior Vice President and moved his family to Jacksonville. While advancing his career, he earned the Certified Mortgage Banker designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association. In 1986, he completed his Master of Business Administration at Jacksonville University (JU).

That same year, David co-founded Florida HomeLoan Corporation, serving as CEO from 1986 to 1997. During this period, he remained active in the Mortgage Bankers Association of Florida, serving as President from 1997 to 1998. He generously shared his knowledge with others, teaching Real Estate Finance as an adjunct professor at JU. After retiring from Florida HomeLoan, he created The Mortgage Institute to train individuals pursuing careers in the mortgage industry.

The professional wisdom David carried throughout his life — first given to him by his father — was beautifully simple: "Always love what you do." He passed those same words on to his daughter, who lives by them in her own pursuits and shares them with others, continuing the legacy.

David had a strong sense of community. He actively supported Parc Centers for Disabilities in St. Petersburg, especially through fundraising efforts. He also coached baseball, cheering on his son's activities with encouragement and pride.

His interests stretched far beyond his work. Throughout his life, he loved fishing, hunting, running, playing basketball, and all things sports‑related, especially the New York Yankees. A passionate car collector, he appreciated the craftsmanship and history. His loyalty to the University of Florida ran deep. A football season‑ticket holder beginning in 1967, he spent countless game‑day Saturdays in Gainesville surrounded by family and friends, a tradition he treasured.

Above all, David was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter, Laura; his son, Michael (Nicole); two granddaughters, Livia Skye and Leighton; four step‑granddaughters, Michelle, Emma, Marley, and Bailey; one grandson, Dryden; and a great‑grandson, Psalm. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Cherry and Dalzell McDilda; brother-in-law, Edward Knight (Kristen); and many nieces and nephews, he loved spending time with, encouraged often, and occasionally teased relentlessly.

He will be remembered for his strength, integrity, loyalty, the deep love he carried for his family and the Florida Gators, and a quick wit that kept everyone smiling.

His legacy endures in the lives he touched and the traditions he built.

A celebration of David's life is being planned for early spring.