James David Manning, Jr., age 54 of Macclenny, departed this life and walked through the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. David was the son of the late James, Sr. and Hilda (Bullard) Manning, born in Gainesville on December 23, 1971.

David was a man of strong faith and high spirits who never allowed his physical limitations to prevent him from achieving goals in life. Anytime you saw David, you recognized him from his bright smile and his consistent uplifting words. David worked for several years at the Wal-Mart in Macclenny as a greeter, where he would brighten the days of shoppers as they passed through the doors.

David’s true joy in life and the legacy he will leave behind was his love and dedication to the youth. With the Baker County Touchdown Club, David served as both an assistant and head coach for many years, touching countless lives in the process. He found joy in getting the best out of his players and inspiring them to achieve success. He also had stints at Baker County Middle School and Baldwin Middle/High School, where he was instrumental in those programs' success.

The more important battle was won off the field in David’s mind. His main goal was to make sure his players knew Jesus. He was involved with different youth programs over the years and would do whatever he could to help children and made sure they had a relationship with the Lord. When his health declined, David would take his ministering to online gaming, where he could reach souls around the world who may not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, while bonding over video games.

David’s presence will be deeply missed in the community and multiple generations of young people will forever remember “Brother David” or “Coach David”.

He leaves behind two siblings, Derek (Beth) Manning of Sanderson and Denise (David) Durham of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; nieces and nephews, Austin (Taylor) Manning, Kaleb (Jacqueline) Manning, Brylee Durham, and Blakely Durham; great nieces and nephews, Della Rosa, Chandler, Emerson, and Cohen Manning; as well as a great host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 26, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Christian Fellowship Temple. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at South Prong Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral directors and staff of Guerry Forbes Funeral Home, Macclenny.