Joe David Magness, a longtime resident of Royse City, Texas, passed away on December 3, 2020. He was born March 3, 1952, in Fannin County, Texas, to Royce Glen Magness and Melba Jean (Harris) Magness and was raised in Telephone, Texas.
David was a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Agriculture. He farmed and ranched in Rockwall, Hunt, and Collin counties and owned a fertilizer and chemical distribution business prior to becoming the Rockwall County Commissioner representing Precinct 4 in 2003. While Commissioner, David was the Chair of both the Rockwall County Road and Open Space Consortiums. He also served as the County Court representative to the Regional Transportation Council, STAR Transit Board of Directors, and the North Texas Council of Governments. David loved serving and planning for the preservation and future of his community.
David was appointed in 2003 to the Board of Directors of Farmers Electric Cooperative, a rural electricity provider for over 60,000 meters in Rockwall, Collin, Hunt, and other counties, serving as the Board President since 2010 and a member of the Farmers Electric Charitable Foundation Board since 2008.
David was a Realtor for the past 14 years with Upchurch Real Estate and United Country Real Estate. He was a founding investor and Chairman of the Board of Texas Leadership Bank, now Guaranty Bank of Royse City. He also served for 12 years as a member of the Royse City ISD Board of Trustees and was a founding member and the first President of the Royse City Rotary Club. David was active within the community, serving as a member on the Rockwall County Youth Fair Board, Texas Farm Bureau, the Royse City Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Rockwall County Republican Men’s Club. He was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Royse City.
David had a warm welcome and smile for every person he met and enjoyed sharing a laugh after telling a tall tale or a harmless prank. Known as Papa to his grandkids, David’s family was his pride and joy. His presence will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
David is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Shirley Magness; daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Michael Gilmer; grandchildren, Reid, Jude, and Sloane Gilmer; sister, Marilyn Ackmann; brother, Jerry Magness and wife Shonda; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A public visitation will take place Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm at The Gathering at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location. A private interment service will be held Thursday. In order to maintain the safety of family and friends at this time, a public memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, General Fund, 305 N. Josephine, Royse City, Texas 75189.
