David Gray Huss, Jr. of Palm Desert, California, died peacefully on February 19th, 2026, at the age of 85 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on July 26, 1940, in Daytona Beach, Florida, and grew up in Miami, Florida.

His childhood echoed Huckleberry Finn: adventures in the Everglades camping, hunting, fishing, and catching snakes and alligators, followed by building and racing cars and swamp buggies through Florida’s backcountry. He played football at Miami Jackson High School and Wofford College until an injury led him into the airline industry, following his father’s path.

In 1961, David began a 38-year career with Delta Air Lines, humbly starting by loading bags in Atlanta. Through dedication, relocations, and numerous promotions, he ultimately retired as  Director of Operations in Cincinnati, earning numerous recognitions including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

A devoted husband and father, David was deeply proud of his family. They traveled widely, played golf together, and he restored classic Mustangs with his teenage daughters. In retirement with Sylvia, they continued golfing and exploring the world. He also enjoyed countless hours at car shows with his “Old Time Cruisers” buddies, winning awards with his ground-up 1932 Ford Roadster and refurbished 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente.

David was loved dearly by all who knew him.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sylvia; his two children, Valerie (Tony) Van Winkle of Palm Desert, California, and Tracey (John, deceased) Eakes of Dayton, Ohio; five grandchildren, Zachary (Brittany) Eakes, Cody (Stephanie) Eakes, and Alexis Eakes, all of Dayton, Ohio, Delaney (Malachy) Ryan of Loveland, Colorado, and Addison Van Winkle of Palm Desert, California; three great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Casey, and Emma; and one on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Huss (Mari Henninger) of Mount Dora, Florida; brother in-law, L. Kenneth (June) Lee of Spokane, Washington; brother-in-law Mark (Tamala) Lee of Wenatchee, Washington, and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.  David was preceded in death by his parents, David Gray and Lillian Deas Huss, and his sister, Marian Celona.

There will not be a formal Celebration of Life, but friends are invited to send condolences to the family.