David Joe Esa

David Joe Esa, age 67, died on June 17, 2017, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, after a brief illness. A native of Columbia, Tennessee, he graduated from Central High School in Columbia, Tennessee, and from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. In 1976, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Elizabeth (Betsy) Cox. David's passion was playing guitar and other instruments, and he played in various bands throughout his life. He was fond of sports, especially the MTSU Blue Raiders, UT Volunteers, and Tennessee Titans, and he enjoyed traveling extensively. David's career was with the Tennessee Board of Regents. At the time of his retirement, he was Director of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Knoxville.He was a member of First Farragut United Methodist Church in Farragut, Tennessee. David is survived by his wife Betsy Esa of Knoxville, his parents Vera Jo and David Earl Esa, and sister Susan Kay Esa of Springfield, Missouri, his brothers- and sisters-in-law Suzanne and Houston Parks of Columbia and Lisa and Edward Cox of Knoxville, nephews Alexander Parks and Russell Cox of Knoxville, Tennessee, aunts and uncles Bonnie and Rex Friend of Springfield, Missouri, Marietha and Leonard Crewse of Brentwood, Tennessee, Mary Ann and Ted Baumgardner of Winter Park, Florida, and Esther and Allen Durrant of Jacksonville, Florida, and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Gertie and James Oris Worsham, and Tressie Mae and August Esa, of Mountain Grove, Missouri. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, Columbia, Tennessee from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at the funeral home, with Eddie Watson officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Eddie Ragland, Tommy Williford, Steve Truelove, Randy Hales and family members. Donations may be made to the Columbia Central High School Band, 921 Lion Parkway, Columbia, TN 38401, to The University of Tennessee Medical Center's Heart Lung Vascular Institute and mailed to The Development Office, University of Tennessee Medical Center, 2121 Medical Center Way, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37920, or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.