So many jokes with that title. Like "How could a Dallas Cowboy go to heaven? He's in Dallas! He's already in Hell!"
Sadly, we lost a true Cowboy. Not just a Cowboy fan. But a true blue, dyed in the wool, southern drawl, throw your coat down on a puddle for a woman - Cowboy.
Cowboy Dave as you know him, but Dave Gilliam to me, passed away around January 30th.
I say "around" because Dave had a heart attack in his home and wasn't found until January 30th. The Medical Examinerhas ruled natural causes, but also ruled that Dave could have been dead up to 10 days. Alone.
I "spoke" via text with Dave back on January 18th. We talked about my upcoming trip to GA and our ties to UGA. He sent me a joke via email that night that I never got a chance to respond to. I wish I had.
Dave and I had many late night talks. Whenever life was overwhelming for me, he just KNEW and all of a sudden my phone would ring and I'd hear that sweet soft southern drawl.. "You OK KP ?.. Man, I will miss that.
The world is a far better place having had Dave be a part of it. I'm really not sure what I can say that you know or don't know, care or don't care.
I guess I just wanted to write this for me.
I found out he passed because today is his birthday. He would have been 55. I went to his Facebook page to wish him a happy birthday.. only to have his family tell me the news.
I posted anyway. My post says:
I hope you loved him too. Or at the least, respected him.
Debi
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I will miss you my friend. Always in my heart. <3
KPKahder
Total Comments (2996)
You will always be a legend here on FN, Here's to smooth trails, cold beer, and beautiful women. Good ride David
Mr Steeler
Total Comments (11978)
I hope heaven is half as nice as Hooterville. Happy trails, CD.
williewilliejuan
Total Comments (36176)
Happy Trails CD, and, thanks for making me welcome here on FN, 1st one to speak with me on here
dakotah
Total Comments (7027)
You'll be missed CD ...
jctoo, cult elitist
Coolsville, TX
Total Comments (11254)
"Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys".....unless they can be like CowboyDave, a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
Lady's Coach Belicat
Total Comments (14210)
I have a lot of respect for Cowboy Dave. He taught me a lot in a short period of time. Sad to see him go. But I know he's in a better place now. See ya Space Cowboy!
Perfectpats
Total Comments (467)
So sorry to hear about Dave. He loved Fan Nation. Loved to write. Loved to share of his life experiences, a dying trade in the way he comunicated, here. We had our beef and quarels of course due to the Cowboy and Redskin rivalry, and Dave was the first person in my life that made me realize, it's only a game, and we all have something in common. He spoke of how he wanted children, and wanted men to take care of their responsibilites, if ever they were Blessed to have them. The solitude he sought in Fan Nation made him respected, here. And he'll always be remembered. People say it's only the internet, but to meet and know a guy like Dave here, takes that phrase to a much higher dimension. Happy trails Dave. R.I.P. and you know I gotta get ya, "Hail to The Redskins". Take care, and I'll see you when I get there.
-Chico
Robataille
Total Comments (54428)
You'll be missed.
clemtheslowson
Total Comments (35974)
It's an interesting thing... this little world of the Internet.
You goof around, looking at this and that... Amazon and Google... Face book & MySpace... fill_in_the_blank.com - whatever it takes to get your fix on whatever fills the gaps in your need for information on whatever it is that jazzes you in life. For me, that gap consisted of "What's going on with these friggin' Cowboys?"
Somewhere, somehow, (hell - don't recall anymore) I found Fan Nation - this cluster of nomads, flagrants and other assorted vagabonds with sports opinions and opinions on almost everything else in the world outside of sports. Think to one's self - toss a few thoughts into the ring - who cares? Bunch of faceless people with cute pictures - you'll never get to meet any of them. Then, you get responses, you respond back, you find kindred spirits and all the sudden - you have made friends you never expected. You have this "family" of zany characters that below the surface are good people just trying to get through life the best they can.
The first "member" that reached out to me when I landed here was CD. We shared that initial bond of being Cowboys fans. Then, we shared the bond of being Cowboys fans that didn't look at it as a life-and-death struggle. Then, we shared a point of view here, a difference there, but always with a respect for the fact that every one was entitled to their views. Somewhere in the middle of all of all this, I just came to the conclusion that he was one of the people here I would have loved to have known face-to-face - to share a beer... a laugh... to just hang out with. He was witty... he was poignant... he was compassionate... he was feisty - and he was a good guy.
No one know who or what is actually behind these little funny faces and assorted avatars we use. But I have a hunch that CD's avatar said everything you needed to know about him - his words certainly did. I am honored to have had him as a small part of my life and will appreciate his wisdom and friendship on this forum. I am wiping tears away as I type this.
It's an interesting thing... this little world of the Internet.
Otis B. Driftwood
Total Comments (31646)
He use to get on me for banging on Cooper. not knowing me and cooper are friends. I remember one of the last times I saw him on FN was when he was in a throw-down with Dolmite...on how to treat a lady. always the gentleman. he will be missed.
COUNT DOOKU
Total Comments (23478)
My condolences, Debi.
Cowboy Dave and I shared a few sarcastic jibes, and I always got the sense he had a clear view of the world and he often made a point of commenting with good insights on my TDs.
I only knew him as the big, brown hat and didn't know him as well as some. But I'll miss that big brown hat and his wit. FN lost a great member.
Grue
Total Comments (21383)
Happy trails Dave.... you'll be missed
MDM 2.0
Total Comments (14032)
R.I.P. CD. It's been my pleasure to know you.
hbomb
Total Comments (26365)
Cowboy Dave was a gentleman and a very knowledgable (sp?) football fan. He always treated me with respect even when I was at my sarcastic worse. I lurk here mainly because of people like Cowboy Dave and the wisdom he shared. I'll miss you, Cowboy Dave, and hope to meet you eventually in that big football game in the sky where the Cowboys are always winning.
Grandma Blue
Crescent City, CA
Total Comments (9)
RIP DAVE , RIP......
I'm Rick James
Total Comments (7246)
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