Obituary of Reverend David Linville

Ronald David Linville was born on March 24, 1938, in Fleming County, Kentucky. He was one of nine children born to the union of Claude and Nannie (Ellison) Linville.   Dave, as he was commonly known, graduated high school and proudly earned his Bachelor of Arts from God’s Bible School in Cincinnati, Ohio. While attending GBS, David met his future wife, the former Grace Kneal.   The couple committed to each other in front of God and family at the Lower Light Church in Petersburg, Michigan on September 2, 1961.   They were blessed with the birth of two daughters, Fran and Faith. 

David supported his family’s needs through employment at Ford Motor for many years.  A great conversationalist, he could chat with complete strangers.  He was a man of devout Christian faith placing ministry for Christ at the forefront of all he did, taking every opportunity to share the Gospel.   

David was extremely active in the Lower Light Mission Association. He served as a pastor of the Adrian Church and associate pastor of the Petersburg Church. He also served as General Superintendent for 24 years and was in that capacity at the time of his passing.  Wherever ministry led David, mentoring youth was always at the forefront.   

Family was a close second to his faith.  David truly cherished the time he spent with all his offspring from daughters to grandchildren and even the blessing of great grandchildren.   Many wonderful memories were spent with the clan at the family cottage near Hillsdale.   Get-togethers always included breaking bread with Bob Evans or his favorite, The Golden Corral, being destinations. He also loved to travel with his bride, being his treasured companion.   From cruises to international visits, Dave and Grace saw the world and visited loved ones whenever they could.

David enjoyed planting a vegetable garden annually at his home. Many times, the yield was so large he graciously shared with extended family and neighbors.  Dave was handy as well.   He spent much of his free time remodeling or flipping rental homes. 

Reverend David Linville, age 84, of Sylvania, formerly of Dundee, passed away at Charter Senior Living in Sylvania, Ohio, on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.   He was surrounded by his loving family.   His passing was preceded by his parents; seven siblings: Mae Linville, Clarence Linville, Gladys Cousins, Georgia Pribble, Lee Linville, Margaret Smith, and Beulah Fryman; and one grandson: Timothy David Nichols.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of sixty-one years: Grace; two daughters: Frances Nichols and Faith (Joe) Trussell; six grandchildren: Richelle Nichols, Caylie Nichols, Amanda Nichols, Samantha Nichols, Erica (Gabe) Wait, and Becca Trussell; five great grandchildren: Madison Nichols, Bailey Porkarski, Lincoln David, soon to be born, Jase Tyler, Claire Wait, Abigail Wait; and a brother: Ben Linville. 

Friends may gather on Saturday; December 10, 2022, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm and on Sunday; December 11, 2022, from 2:00pm until 3:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.   A Worship Service Celebrating His Life will follow at 3:00pm.   A private interment will take place on Monday; December 12, 2022, at Pleasantview Cemetery in Petersburg. 

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.