David Willey

David Dale Willey was born on May 10, 1946 in Platteville, Wisconsin, the son of Ernest Dale Willey and Lulah Floyd Willey. He moved to California when he was five years old and lived most of his life in the Sacramento area. On October 19, 2024, he passed away peacefully in his home in Elk Grove after a 12 year battle with melanoma.

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary-Kevin, son Brian (Amy) Willey, daughter Heather (Greg) Barkdull and grandchildren Blake Willey, Jocelyn Willey, Emily Barkdull and Laura Barkdull. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Helen Kay Mudd and stepfather Edwin Giese.   

David graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School.  In the middle of his college experience, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam. He was awarded a Bronze Star and received a Purple Heart. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary-Kevin O’Leary. He then returned to college and graduated from Sacramento State University with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. David spent his career in sales, and his final position was with the California State Lottery.

David had a wide variety of passions and interests. He competed in swimming and water polo for his high school and college teams. As a young adult he took an interest in sailing. He was part of the winning crew for the Catalina 34 National Championship, two years in a row. He enjoyed sailing on San Francisco Bay and in the Caribbean. When his son, Brian, started playing soccer, David refocused his energy in that direction. He was a beloved supporter of the Sacramento soccer community. David also enjoyed playing golf, especially with his friends at Valley Hi Country Club. He had a passion for music and attending concerts. David sang and played his guitars for Mary-Kevin and with his grandchildren and neighbors. He found joy in painting with acrylics, especially scenes of the ocean. David was a dynamic storyteller. He went above and beyond to bring happiness to others. David loved his wife, family and friends tremendously. He is dearly missed.

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