David Neale Talley

TALLEY, David Neale; passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Samuel Talley and Annie Hall Talley; his siblings, Jack Talley, Rodney (Monk) Talley, Robert Talley, Elwood Talley, James Talley, Naomie Talley, Norman Talley, Janice Pierce; sister-in-law, Anne Talley; and his two nieces, Laurie and Robbie Talley.  He is survived by his wife, Sheila Talley, his children, Kim Trotter and Keith Talley; his son-in-law, David Trotter; his two grandchildren, Sam and Ben Trotter; his siblings, Jean Reed and Wayne Talley; his brother-in-law, Ray Reed; his sister-in-law, Sachico Talley; numerous nieces and nephews; many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Dave was born and raised in Hanover County, Virginia with his ten siblings.  At Washington-Henry High School, he was known as a dedicated student and a star basketball player.  After graduating high school, he bought his first car and began a job at Eubank Trucks, Inc., where he continued working for most of his life.  After retiring from ETI, he worked part-time as a bus and classroom aide for Henrico County Public Schools, assisting special needs students.  

Dave was married to the love of his life, Sheila, for 60 plus years.  Together, they raised two children and built a beautiful life in Mechanicsville.  When Dave wasn’t at work, he was an avid gardener, thoughtfully tending his garden and providing fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers for his family.  He continued to be a gifted athlete into his adult years, playing in a softball league and even teaching himself to play tennis in his 40s.   But his greatest athletic endeavor was cycling, a passion he shared with his brother-in-law, Ray.  Dave took weekly rides as a member of the Richmond Area Bicycling Association.  He loved riding bikes, fixing bikes, and even building his own bikes, eventually gifting a one-of-a-kind road bike to his daughter, Kim.  He and Ray cycled together on day trips in Virginia, such as the Capitol to Capitol Trail, and even longer trips, like the Natchez Trace Trail that runs from Tennessee to Alabama. When he wasn’t active in his garden or on a bike, he read historical texts voraciously. He was intellectually curious and loved to sing, draw, and write poetry.

Dave was a loyal and devoted husband to Sheila and a gentle, caring father to Kim and Keith.  He was a constant presence in their lives–ever patient with Keith and supportive of Kim. 

Above all, Dave adored his family, not only his immediate family, but his extended family as well!  He and Sheila took many trips to Chincoteague, Myrtle Beach, Nags Head, West Virginia, Florida, Texas, and beyond, sometimes alone, but mostly with family!  He loved family reunions and holiday gatherings, actively participating in games and entertaining his nieces and nephews.  

Though Dave was very quiet, he was a keen observer!  And if you were lucky enough to sit or stand beside him at a gathering, you were usually rewarded by a sly grin and one of his humorous quips.  Dave, our husband, our father, our uncle, our brother, our friend, will be missed here on earth, but heaven just got a little bit brighter!

The family will receive friends and loved ones at The Catholic Church of The Redeemer, 8275 Meadowbridge Rd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 for a Mass Of Christian Burial celebrating Dave Talley’s life on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11 am with a reception immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Arc of Virginia at  https://www.thearcofva.org/.

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