From Dick Dye:

Dave Stinson was diagnosed with congestive heart failure last Oct. He was healthier than most of us prior to that. He went into the hospital on Christmas Eve and went steadily downhill until his death on 1/27.

 

Born on Aug. 17, 1953, in Biloxi, Mississippi, to his beloved mother, Mary Emily Buttrey Stinson, and father, Kelly David Stinson Sr. (retired, USAF), Kelly David “Dave” Stinson Jr. lived a storybook life. When he was in third grade, his parents relocated to Meridian, Mississippi, where he was so bored in school that he read every book in the library. After reading every book, he found the two most interesting — one about being a fighter pilot, and the other a handbook on getting into the U.S. Air Force Academy. From that point on, his heart was set on Colorado Springs and USAFA.

At the age of 17, he was accepted into and attended the Air Force Academy, one of his most proud accomplishments. While at USAFA, he met Sandra Leah Manthey, whom he proposed to. They were married shortly after his graduation in 1975.

Dave graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and attained the title of captain while in service. After his commitment period, he relocated to Huntsville, Alabama, where he completed his MBA at the University of Alabama-Huntsville in 1983. He then proceeded to delve into the world of computer and nuclear engineering, where he found his passion for nuclear engineering and its promise of low-pollution, high-reliability energy.

His extremely successful career began with the formation of Digital Engineering Inc. in 1983, where he was president, CEO and founder. After growing this company along with his network, he sold the company. After a transition period with the purchasing company, he began working for TVA in 1993, where he served successfully in multiple executive capacities on and off for the next 20 years. He served initially as the project manager of Browns Ferry Unit 3, where he brought this nuclear reactor back online “on time and under budget,” as he always said. He then went on to hold a position as vice president of engineering and nuclear projects in Chattanooga, Tennessee, before leaving TVA for a time and becoming president of Intergraph PPM (Process, Power, & Marine) from 1995 until December 2001.

In 2001, he pursued his passion for flying by starting Huntsville Flight Center, a flight school and charter business that he ran with his wife and son, also a pilot, until he sold the business in 2007. Concurrently, he began working as president and COO for Shaw AREVA Mox Services LLC, in 2006, where he was tasked with the design, procurement, construction, startup, and operation of a mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility at the Savannah River Site. He returned to TVA in 2011 as a vice president, first for Watts Bar Unit 2, then for Bellefonte Nuclear Project. Leaving TVA for the final time, he became executive vice president-nuclear at URS for the next year until his retirement in December 2014.

After his retirement, he began remodeling multiple houses and trying his hand as a homesteader. This became his new passion, and something he did nearly until his last day. He was equally as successful with these endeavors as he was in his earlier careers, turning his hard work and dedication into profits to use on his next purchase.

Dave was the greatest dad anyone could ask for, an amazing husband who always cherished his wife, a steadfast son and brother (Donald Jay), a friend to many, the best boss ever for most, the guy who could always accomplish any task or job no matter how daunting (on time and under budget!), the one with the funny stories and a joke for all, and above all else, a man after God’s own heart. He had a loyal group of coworkers who seemed to always follow him to the next big job, where he led them to turn around faltering companies or projects. He mentored many young men who, to this day, have wonderful things to say about the work and life lessons he taught them. His close friends say that they always learned something from him every time they were around him. His wife turned to him for love and support; and his children turned to him for guidance, advice, motivation and inspiration.

On Jan. 27, 2025, Dave Stinson passed away peacefully, surrounded by Sandy, his wife of 49 years, and four successful children: daughters Shannon, Samantha and Kelsey; and son Kelly David “Trey.” During his brief illness, Dave was also enveloped in prayers along with the virtual love and support of numerous extended family and friends. (Shannon Stinson Stewart, daughter)

Here's a Toast  |  2026