David Thomas Rubright

David Thomas Rubright age 58, a resident of Elba, Alabama gave his life Sunday, July 5, 2026 at Whitewater Creek in Elba, trying desperately to save someone he loved. While enjoying a fun outing with family on a hot July day, the kids played and swam in the gentle current as they had many times before. “Benji” being the adventurous guy he was veered too far and stepped off into the channel. Upon witnessing his struggle, Dave jumped in to save him without hesitation and shortly succumbed to the exhaustion of his efforts.

Dave will be remembered as a family man. He enjoyed being outside, whether it was fishing, gardening, shooting bb guns an throwing the Frisbee with the boys or just a leisurely stroll through the woods with his woman, he was at peace while surrounded by nature with the ones he loved. He worked as an armed security guard and had a passion for guns and continuously strove to improve his marksmanship on the range. Dave will be remembered by those who knew him best as a kind, joyful and funny guy. Having grown up in what most would agree was the best music era, he was particularly fond of classic rock. Though he connected with most any animal, cats were his favorite. Dave died a "hero" in the eyes of his family, and will be forever remembered for his selfless act on the river that day.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory a daughter, Amanda Rubright, two grandsons, Jackson Hupp, and Christian Hupp, granddaughter, Charlotte Groff all of North Port, FL, his mother, Carol Rubright of Hudson, FL, a step-father, Gary Hull of Orlando, FL, along with his sister, Jeannie Seevers of South Hero, VT, Dave spent the last six and a half years with his fiance and best friend Maria Falvo and became a father by choice to Giana Maria Falvo, Isabella Falvo, Taiya Falvo, Arabella Falvo, Tatiana Falvo, Sasha Falvo, and Benji Falvo all of Elba, AL, along with Michael Falvo, Jr. And chosen grandson Vincent Falvo both of Brooksville, Florida.

Dave selflessly showed them all unconditional love and support.

Mr. Rubright was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Tammy Rubright, by his father, David Thomas Rubright, Sr., and by his beloved Benjimin Renat Falvo.

Memorial services honoring the lives of Dave and Benji will be held on July 18, 2026 beginning at 2:00 P.M. at Hayes Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM prior to the service on Saturday.