Mr. David Maurice Sentell, originally of Dyersburg, Tenn., passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, peacefully at his home in Brownsville, Tenn. with loved ones. David was born February 8, 1954, to the late Dolphus “Evon” and Daurice Sentell.

His life was spent working in various areas related to his love of agriculture. Born in a farming family, he grew up with a passion for the agricultural industry and craved to be working in the field. For 15 years, he was a field research scientist for Rhone Poulenc which carried him and his family to Mississippi, North Carolina and Iowa before moving back to West Tennessee. He then worked as a territory sales manager with the AGCO equipment company and later for NORDYNE Manufacturing for 17 years while also farming for himself.

The pursuit of betterment led him to earn his Bachelors’ and later Masters’ degrees in Agricultural Sciences while he worked full-time. In addition to living in various states, his work allowed him to travel all over the U.S. as well as the United Kingdom. Creativity, problem-solving and innovation were hallmarks of both his home and work life.

Work, family and love for God were his life’s priorities. Raising his family in Christ, he and his wife were very involved and faithfully attended church for many years.

David is remembered for his independent and adventurous spirit. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and was a fan of model cars and Corvettes. His 1954 Chevy 3100 was a prized possession of his for many, many years. If the TV was on, his choice was usually westerns, especially if starring Clint Eastwood or John Wayne.

His outgoing personality was reflected in his ever-present smile. He sought to always bring laughter to his family with his silly jokes and “dad” humor.

David is survived by his caring wife of 45 years, Judy Welch Sentell; his daughters Claire Sentell Coker (Dustin) of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Laura Kay Tucker (Eric) of Brownsville, Tenn. and Sarah Katherine “Kate” McKinney (Caleb) of Readyville, Tenn.; his son David Sentell, II, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; his siblings Dwayne Sentell (Jackie), Jimmy Sentell (Connie), Cindy Gaylord (Larry), Kimberly Bitner (Sammy); his six grandkids and a host of nieces and nephews. David was known as “Grandaddy” to his grandchildren Austin, Kiersten, Aden, Spencer, Eli and Eve.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Dyersburg Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with Chapel Funeral Services to be held at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Bro. Doug Ellingsworth. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery with David Sentell, II, Dustin Coker, Eric Tucker, Caleb McKinney, Chris Sentell, Austin Tucker and Spencer Coker serving as pallbearers and Eli McKinney as honorary pallbearer.

To David, the three pillars of his life were Farming, Family and Faith in God. His hope, through his life, is that others would learn to work, love God and always to “Keep On- Keeping On”.