David George Horsburgh was born on March 20, 1936 and went to be with the Lord on August 7, 2021 at the age of 85. David was born in Derby, Connecticut. In 1945, David and his family moved to Sarasota, Florida. He graduated from Sarasota High School. After graduation, David decided to pursue a career in accounting. He attended the University of Florida where he ran track. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Florida Southern in 1959 and became a Certified Public Accountant. David started his career in accounting working for the Minute Maid Company and then the Coca Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia. After a few years he decided to move back to Sarasota to start a private accounting firm and to be closer to his family.
David was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing. He enjoyed nothing better than a good fight with a Redfish, Snook, or a Tarpon. He loved his hand-crafted wooden boats built by his late friend, George Luzier. David enjoyed fishing in Sarasota, Boca Grande, the Keys, Matlacha and various other Florida coastal communities. He loved being on the water and in nature wherever he traveled. Later, in his life David fell in love with horses. He had a beautiful horse farm, Mariah Oaks Farm, where he bred Thoroughbreds with his Hanoverian Warmblood stallion named “Willie”. David cherished his many memories on the farm with his family and friends. David also enjoyed hunting in Texas with his family. Many fond memories were made with his children, grandchildren, and his Texas friends.
David was a lifelong University of Florida Gator fan. He enjoyed cheering on all the Gator sports teams. This is how he got his nickname, “Gatorpops”. Because of his Scottish heritage, David enjoyed listening to bagpipe music while sipping an occasional glass of Scotch. He enjoyed collecting various things, too, over his lifetime.
David is proceeded in death by his parents, Dorothy and David Horsburgh.
He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and William Hancock; daughter, Christy Horsburgh; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Philip Carrington; son and daughter-in-law, David and Jill Horsburgh. He is survived by 6 adoring grandchildren; Caroline and Cullen Guglielmo, Emily Carrington, Jamie Gray, Ava Horsburgh, and Benjamin Horsburgh. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the caregivers and professional staff at Advent Hospital of Ocala and Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Florida. A private memorial will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral Home (352) 376-5361
