David Ralph Bigger, 76, of Utica, passed away peacefully at his home on November 8, 2024. He was born to the late Ralph H. and Josephine B. Bigger on December 27, 1947. David was a successful entrepreneur who started Battery Headquarters in the summer of 1973 on Leitchfield Road. As the business grew, he relocated to 821 Breckenridge Street where it still stands today, 51 years later. Not only did he have a talent in the battery industry, he was also a lifelong enthusiast of all things aviation. He obtained his private pilot license at the age of 38. With clear skies, one could find him flying around in one of his planes and landing at his beloved Bigger Field in Utica. In later years, he went on to obtain his helicopter license. You could say his head was always in the clouds!
David was an eccentric genius who could converse about nearly any topic relating to electronics, aviation, technological innovation and of course batteries to anyone who would lend their ears. He was an unconventional man of many talents and could repair almost anything. His insatiable curiosity often drove him to many sleepless nights tinkering with anything and everything to find out how they worked. His curiosity also led him to become an innovator who often made his own contraptions.
Socially, David appeared as an enigma of sorts, however sincerely authentic and unique. David was known for his vibrant presence at social gatherings, often arriving alongside his beloved brother, Joey, he never failed to bring along a clever gadget and an unforgettable story, delighting all with his humor and boundless creativity. His desire to live an exploratory life lent himself to being an engaging and exciting parent. On many occasions David would take his children on spontaneous adventures in his airplanes; a distinctive aspect of his life that his family will cherish forever. His legacy of entrepreneurship, ingenuity, and curiosity will live on through many generations to come.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph “Joey” Bigger; sister, Merle Sackett; and a brother-in-law, Bill Barnett of Cumming, Georgia.
He is survived by his children Dana (Brian) Jennings, Jason (Melani) Bigger, David W. (Tammy) Bigger, Beau (Christie) Bigger, Bryan J. Bigger, Blake Bigger, and Madison Bigger; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Barnett of Cumming, Georgia and Ruth (Mark) Gordon of Owensboro; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation is from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Words of comfort by Rev. Tony Boyken will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday.