David Lowell Nissley, 99, of Sarasota, Fla., died Nov. 25, 2020. He was born March 29, 1921, to Frank C. and Jessica Madden Nissley in Lemoyne, Pa.
He attended 11 schools during his early life and graduated from Hillsborough High in Tampa. He served in Civilian Public Service as a dairy tester and a forester in Virginia. He married his lifelong sweetheart, Miriam Alberta Brackbill, on July 5, 1947.
After college graduation in 1950, he was called to the ministry to pastor Crystal Springs Mennonite Church in Kansas and later two pastorates in Kansas City. In 1964 the family moved to Goshen, Ind., where he worked for Mennonite Mutual Aid, the precursor of Everence. His career continued as a development officer with Berea College in Kentucky and director of development at Hesston College in Kansas. They moved to Sarasota in 1973, where they lived for 47 years.
He was a gifted writer, having published two books, Where Do All the Memories Go in 1998 and The Lincoln Highway in 2006. He wrote numerous articles in church periodicals that prodded us to be better people. His passion for justice and equality for all were bedrock values.
He had a warm sense of humor that made him a joy to be around and a supply of jokes for any occasion. Photography, writing, cars and history were passions for him.
His was a life of church work, family and service to others. Generosity to everyone was a hallmark for him and Miriam.
Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Miriam; two children, Dale (Garnet) Nissley of Hershey, Pa., and Ruth (John) Townson of Sarasota; a brother-in-law, Alexander Limont; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.