David Ray DeLand, 84, of Camden, AR departed this life on February 10, 2026 for his eternal home in Heaven. He was born September 21, 1941 in Monroe, LA as the sixth child of James Ellis and Hattie Fred Lipscomb. Upon their passing he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Angleas and Lucille DeLand. He was a 1959 graduate of Neville High School. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served in active duty on the USS Calcaterra until 1962. He continued to serve in the reserves until 1965.  After returning home in 1962, he married Aloma Collins and together they had two daughters, Lori and Martha. A short time later, they moved their family to Camden, AR. David began work at Watts Department Store in the shoe department. In 1967, he started at International Paper Co. where he would dedicate 33 years until his retirement in 2000. In 1990, he unexpectedly lost his wife to a brief illness. He was able to find love again when he reconnected with childhood friend, Sandra Lea, who later became his wife. Upon marrying Sandi, he gained a son, Freddy Lea.

He enjoyed many hobbies over the years including camping, woodworking, fixing up old cars, and selling Avon. In the last several years, he enjoyed deer hunting with his son-in-law. He always looked forward to sitting on the stand on opening day. He also was not afraid to shoot the first thing he saw! For many years, David was a bladesmith. He would ask people to bring him old deer horns to use for the handles. He still talked about the many townspeople that owned one of his knives. He was a collector of coins, firearms, Camark pottery, and Coca-Cola items. A lover of football, and regardless of the record, an avid Razorback fan. Every day you could find David at the Cardinal Café for breakfast, lunch, and supper. He loved the food, but mostly he loved the company. The ladies at the café made sure he was always well fed and taken care of.

For many years, David was an active member of Timothy Methodist Church. As his health declined, he dearly missed his church family. Many of them would stop by or send a card, and it always brightened his day. He was generous to a fault. A loyal friend to many. A faithful son of God. He took pride in everything he did, but he was primarily proud of his family. He carried the title of son, husband, Daddy, and Papaw with great joy. He took the opportunity to talk about his family as often as possible. He was always there to support them at every milestone, birthday, and special event. He made sure to recognize and be present when he could.

He is preceded in death by his biological and adopted parents, wives Aloma and Sandra, four brothers, Barney, Tommy, Frank, and Edwin Lipscomb, and one sister, Rose Lucas. His legacy lives on in two daughters Lori Kelly and Martha Morrison (Tryon), one son Freddy Lea (Danyeal), seven grandchildren Mary Beth Fain (Blake), Ray Olvey (Kacey), David Kelly (Kaila), Clairissa Mascorro (Orlando), Lee Kelly, Courtney Kelly, and Garrett Netherland, ten great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, one sister, Betty Snyder, and a host of other family members and friends.

The family would like to thank Jacky, Sheena, Bree, and Kesha at LifeTouch Hospice in El Dorado. They delicately guided us through every step of the last six months, and we are forever grateful for their compassion and dedication.

A memorial service will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00AM at Timothy Methodist Church in Camden, AR with a visitation just prior to the service from 10:00-11:00AM. A separate burial service will be the following day at Mulhearn Cemetery in Monroe, LA at 11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to LifeTouch Hospice in El Dorado, AR or Timothy Methodist Church in Camden, AR.