Born near Houston in Yoakum, Texas, David developed a love of rodeo at a young age.
He joined the Texas Youth Rodeo Association and the Texas High School Rodeo Association in the late 70’s and made the finals in both for four consecutive years from 1978 to 1981. From 1979 to 1985, David won numerous TYRA and THSRA calf roping and all-around championships.
In 1986, he joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and was named PRCA Calf Roping Rookie of the Year. In 1989, he qualified for the National Finals Rodeo, where he won sixth place in the world standings as well as winning the average at the NFR. He also made the Texas Circuit Finals for several years up to 1989.
On July 2, 1990, David was killed when the small, twin-engine plane in which he was riding crashed into Mount Rainer, Washington, killing him, the pilot, and three other PRCA cowboys aboard.
