David Harlston

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November 12, 1953 – March 16, 2026

David Harlston, 72 of Texarkana, Texas died on Monday, March 16, 2026.

David Leon Harlston, Jr. was the third born, of six children to David and Dorothy Harlston on November 12, 1953 in Texarkana, Texas.
He united with Mt. Zion First Baptist Church at an early age and was baptized by Pastor J.A. Johnson.  He attended Grandview Elementary School and Macedonia High School, where he spent 2 years; then 2 years at Liberty-Eylau High School.  He played football positions as a Line Backer and Tail Back, and was a member of the baseball teams for both schools.
He developed good work ethics early on. While in High School he worked  under the leadership of his father Chef Dave at Texarkana Country Club, then Pete Mankins and Ledwell and Son.  
In 1974, he moved to Los Angeles, California with his sister Davi Dancy and obtained employment with General Motors (GM). He had a deep passion for cars and to work in the automobile industry was his dreams come true. Employment with General Motors led him  to work in different plants in  Southgate and Van Nuys, Ca, Wentzville, Mo., Shreveport, La., and he even traveled to Germany as a spokesperson for some of their newest model releases and  attended new and innovative training classes there. He remained at GM as Team Leader until his retirement in 2006 with 30 years of commendable service. 
David was a sports enthusiast. He became quite an avid fan of the Los Angeles Rams, LA Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers during his residence there. He also was a staunch Outfield player with the company’s softball team and a team called “Bad Attitude” made up of his GM partners. His GM friends were like brothers and kept in touch with each other weekly.
He was a very stylish dresser. Whether in dress clothes, street or casual wear he was always coordinated from head to toe. He also had a passion for music, especially old school R&B and classic rock.  Both traits he truly inherited from his father and mother.
Before retiring from GM Shreveport plant, he moved back to Texarkana to help take care of his father where he resided until his heavenly transition.
David had a beautiful heart, a radiant personality, and a giving spirit, and did everything he could to help those in need.  He dearly loved God, his devoted family, his lifelong GM partners and his community.  His positive outlook made an impression on everyone he came in contact with.
David’s life candle was extinguished March 16, 2026.  His spirit will remain forever vibrant through his sons David Harlston, III of Arlington, Texas, Jason Harlston of Los Angeles, California; two sisters Davi Dancy and Sharon Clipper of Texarkana, Texas; one brother Harold Harlston of Texarkana, Texas; two bonus siblings Edwin Williams of Tucson, Arizona  and Daphne Harris- Jackson of Texarkana, Arkansas; one awesome grandson Sean David Harlston of  Los Angeles, California and one  precious three year old granddaughter August Nevaeh Harlston, and her mother Kara Lawrence of Arlington, Texas; a very special sister/family friend Pastor Anretha Walker of Ogden, Arkansas, and a bevy of relatives, friends, and the West Street Community.

Visitation is Thursday, March 26th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the mortuary.

Funeral service is Friday, March 27th at 11:00 a.m.at the House of Refuge Church.

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