PO2 David Earl Dake was born in Huntsville, Alabama on April 14,1993. He was a 2012 Honor graduate of Ranburne High School, where he played on the Ranburne Bulldog football team. He was part of the Physics team, Math team, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. David played QB and Tight End during JR Varsity and Varsity years. Dake’s jersey was #2 and on Friday nights everyone came out and supported #2 and the whole Bulldog team, they were more than just a team, they were family. While in high school he met his wife Darcie Wallace, who was part of the RHS Bulldog band dance line. David and Darcie were known as high school sweethearts. They were part of Crumley’s Chapel COG youth group, and this was their hometown church. David and Darcie were married and had the sweetest little girl, Kali, and a sweet little baby girl Emmalyn, due in August. They were the All-American Family. David was a loving and supportive husband and father to his girls.

David was an awesome son, big brother, and grandson to his family and was loved by all. In October 2012, David joined the U.S. Navy. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL. He was assigned to the HSM 72 squadron known as the Proud Warriors. Petty Officer First Class (PO) David Dake, an Aviation Machinist Mate (AD) on the USS Bulkeley, was the command’s “go to AD” when they needed the hard jobs done right. PO Dake was constantly sought after by his peers and superiors alike for both his professional expertise and wise personal guidance. David devoted countless off-duty hours to his shipmates, which led to his Ship earning superior qualification ratings for four Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative Inspections, and three Collateral Duty Inspector Superior Ratings for 13 Plane Captains and 15 Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialists PO David Dake was responsible for. During his off-duty time, David believed in being a part of making his community a better place, volunteering his personal/family time to bus underprivileged children to and from Church Services at Oceanway Assembly of God in Jacksonville, FL, where he attended with his family.

Petty Officer Dake was known throughout his Ship as an outstanding Sailor whose indomitable good nature and superb work ethic inspired everyone around him to be the best versions of themselves! David trained, developed, and mentored countless Sailors with both technical knowledge and career advice and saw many of his sailors go on to become Petty Officers themselves. David's natural leadership charisma and his ability to use every situation to train Sailors for wartime duties during the daily course of their day-to-day peacetime duties created a legacy that will continue for years to come. With his trademark smile and positive attitude, David led Sailors through the most arduous of tasks, ensuring that any challenge put before him and his team would not only be accomplished but would be done so in a manner that far exceeded any recognized Navy Standard.

David is survived by his wife, daughters, parents, brothers, and sister.

David passed away on July 4th,2017 from an auto accident in Jacksonville, FL.

Proceeds from PO2 David E. Dake’s bracelet will be donated to Legacies Alive.