Obituary for David Shoulders
David Shoulders, 80, of Gardner, Kansas, formerly of Detroit, Michigan, received his homebound call to glory on Thurs., June 20, 2019, reuniting him with his companion Ora Viola Coleman; parents, Willie and Bernice; sisters: Uralee Grant, Ida Mae Kirkland, Ellise Louise Davenport, brothers: Leroy Shoulders and Benny Carl Shoulders. Visitation 10:00 am Mon., July 8, 2019 at Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, Kansas (913) 856-7111. Celebration of Life follows at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Cremation after service. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com
David was born on October 16, 1938 in Sunflower County, Mississippi, to the union of Willie and Bernice Shoulders. David was the second youngest of six children. When David was a young child, his family relocated to Detroit, MI. He accepted Christ at an early age. He was educated in both Ferndale and Detroit Public Schools. Immediately after graduating from high school, David enlisted into the United States Army, where he served with the 555th Brigade “Triple Nickle”. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, David begun his 30+ year career with the City of Oak Park Water Department. On March 29, 1968, David was united in holy matrimony to Cleo Frances Nelson. Unto this union, their son David Richard was born.
David spent most of his life coaching and mentoring young men and women in the sport of boxing. Boxing was his life’s work. Dave began boxing in 1953, under the tutelage of famed boxing legend Al Johnson, who taught him the importance building a solid foundation. He continued that methodology when training young men and women in Greater Metro Detroit recreation centers and gyms. Johnson Recreational Center, Kronk Gym, Lasky Recreational Center, Coleman A. Young Recreational Center, Butzel Recreational Center, Crowel Recreational Center and Considine Recreational Center all housed young men and women who embraced the sport of boxing and who were inspired by Dave’s leadership. Dave trained a multitude of champions among the amateur and pro rankings. Champions like Hulond Copeland, the Wilson Brothers, Anthony Jones, and Gary Martin. He was also the president of “Ring 32”, an organization formed for all the legendary trainers. Coach Dave Shoulders remains a Legendary Man of Boxing that shaped the sport and whose life has made a lasting impact on the boxing community.
David leaves to cherish his memory: His son, David Richard Shoulders; three granddaughters: Aliyah Nyesha Shoulders, Autumn Nicole Shoulders and Alyssa Naomi Ellise Shoulders; one great-granddaughter Zianna Ayanna Nicole Shoulders Mabrey; his nieces: Vanessa Jallice and Tina Jallice; his cousin and childhood friend Jimmie Respress and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Psalm 23 - A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [1] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
David was born on October 16, 1938 in Sunflower County, Mississippi, to the union of Willie and Bernice Shoulders. David was the second youngest of six children. When David was a young child, his family relocated to Detroit, MI. He accepted Christ at an early age. He was educated in both Ferndale and Detroit Public Schools. Immediately after graduating from high school, David enlisted into the United States Army, where he served with the 555th Brigade “Triple Nickle”. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, David begun his 30+ year career with the City of Oak Park Water Department. On March 29, 1968, David was united in holy matrimony to Cleo Frances Nelson. Unto this union, their son David Richard was born.
David spent most of his life coaching and mentoring young men and women in the sport of boxing. Boxing was his life’s work. Dave began boxing in 1953, under the tutelage of famed boxing legend Al Johnson, who taught him the importance building a solid foundation. He continued that methodology when training young men and women in Greater Metro Detroit recreation centers and gyms. Johnson Recreational Center, Kronk Gym, Lasky Recreational Center, Coleman A. Young Recreational Center, Butzel Recreational Center, Crowel Recreational Center and Considine Recreational Center all housed young men and women who embraced the sport of boxing and who were inspired by Dave’s leadership. Dave trained a multitude of champions among the amateur and pro rankings. Champions like Hulond Copeland, the Wilson Brothers, Anthony Jones, and Gary Martin. He was also the president of “Ring 32”, an organization formed for all the legendary trainers. Coach Dave Shoulders remains a Legendary Man of Boxing that shaped the sport and whose life has made a lasting impact on the boxing community.
David leaves to cherish his memory: His son, David Richard Shoulders; three granddaughters: Aliyah Nyesha Shoulders, Autumn Nicole Shoulders and Alyssa Naomi Ellise Shoulders; one great-granddaughter Zianna Ayanna Nicole Shoulders Mabrey; his nieces: Vanessa Jallice and Tina Jallice; his cousin and childhood friend Jimmie Respress and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Psalm 23 - A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [1] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.