David Ray “Bozo” Gathman, 76, of Irondale, Alabama passed away peacefully at his home with his wife by his side on Monday, September 7, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.

He was a loving Dad, Grandpa, and friend. He had a passion for singing karaoke, especially in the style of Willie Nelson, loved music and you could hear him coming a mile away because he liked it loud! He loved drag racing and not many knew he had a talent for playing the spoons and would play them for hours. He was always making people laugh and would often entertain everyone with stories about the things he loved, occasionally known to embellish the truth a bit. He spent many of his younger years entertaining children of all ages as a clown picking up the nickname “Bozo” which he is most commonly known by. He worked at Hiram Walker and Sons Distillery in Peoria, Illinois for 19 years and retired from Walmart in Birmingham, Alabama after 16 years. In between, he was a self-employed mechanic and worked for Barber's Dairy and Shell Service Station, both in Birmingham. He was also a volunteer firefighter for many years and served in the U. S. Air Force. He will be remembered for his contagious laugh, his story telling, and his love for his family and friends. He loved the Lord and was a devoted Christian.

He is survived and loved dearly by his wife of 39 years Annafred Entrican Gathman, his children Brandy Gathman Newman Wood, Michelle Aaron, Renee Gallagher, John Franklin “Frankie” Williams, Deborah Williams Elam, Daniel Lee Williams, Elizabeth “Beth” Williams Armstrong, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles Gathman and Corinth Gathman, two infant children, and a son, Shawn David Gathman.

His wish was to be cremated. A celebration of life is being planned for a later time.

Professional services provided by W.E. Lusain Funeral Home and Crematory, Birmingham, Alabama.