David D Diaz Obituary

David was born in New Orleans, LA on May23,1941. He died on October 15, 2022, after an over 4-year battle with a hemorrhagic stroke. At the time of his stroke, he was the Master Casting Instructor at Deep South Outfitters in Birmingham, where he was known as Dr. D, Mo D, Triple D and Three D. He loved teaching others fly casting. He taught over 5,000 people to fly fish and fly cast. As a member of the Fly Fishers International, he was the first elected president of the Casting Board of Governors. He received many awards, but he enjoyed meeting and teaching people from all over the world to love fly fishing.

David graduated from Fortier High School in New Orleans, Louisiana State University in New Orleans (BA), and the University of Oregon (Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts). David taught at the University of New Orleans and Tulane University, worked for Avondale, McDermott, US Forest Service, LSU Dental School, Textron, and his own company Technical Research Company.

David had many interests including photography, playing and making guitars, collecting phonograph equipment and LP’s especially jazz, working on cars, and of course making fly rods and tying flies. In pursuit of fly-fishing experiences, he had been all over the US and to several places in Canada and Mexico, to Belize, to Argentina, to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. His all-time favorite was fishing in the Louisiana marshes for redfish.

David also shared his interest in music with his wife. They were fans of musical theatre both in New Orleans and Birmingham as long-time season ticket holders of Red Mountain Theatre Company. They enjoyed swing dancing and belonged to clubs in New Orleans and Birmingham. They visited many cities for art museums and exhibits and Frank Lloyd Wright houses.

David is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lindsay Mercer Diaz, and 2 daughters: Amelie Provost (David Fairbaugh) and Nina Ward (Rene) and 1 stepdaughter Christine Ricalde (David). His grandchildren are the following: Emma and Chase Provost; River, Reece, and Ella Ward; Emily (Sean), Isabella, and Douglas Ricalde. He is also survived by his brother Steve (Marion), brother-in-law Doug Mercer (Sheri), sister-in-law Meg Kilgore (Billy), and nieces Rachael Diaz Wilson (Sean), Carolyn Mercer (Aidan Bairstow) and Margaret Mercer (Erik Ameye) and great nephews Hunter and Devin Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents Met and Carlee Diaz and his stepson Douglas McCool.

Thanks to Holley Streeter who took such good care of David at Diversicare and all the other staff at Diversicare of Riverchase.

A Celebration of Life will be held for David at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, Pelham, Alabama, Sunday, November 20, 2022, at 2-6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to David’s favorite charity, Shelby Humane, 381 McDow Road, Columbiana, AL 35051 (https://www.shelbyhumane.org/) or the charity of your choice.