Mr. David Charles Carrick, age 71, of Cookeville, a native of Sparta, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

David was born April 5, 1955, in Sparta, Tennessee, to the late Dave Eugene and Laura Jean Worthington Carrick. He was a 1973 graduate of White County High School, where he excelled on the football field and the baseball diamond. His skills as a receiver earned him the nickname "Greased Lightning," while his baseball abilities earned him a spot on the Tennessee Technological University baseball team.

David served his country in the United States Air Force from May 23, 1979, until August 22, 1983, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He proudly served with the 92nd SUP (SAC) at Fairchild Air Force Base.

Following his military service, he worked at Fleetguard, holding positions in IT, sales, and customer service. His retirement years were devoted to his family, farming, fishing,and golf.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Dorothy Ann Carrick and Thomas Edward Carrick.

Surviving family members include his daughters, Jannaé Higgins (Antonio) of Atlanta, GA, and Keonnia Summers (Eric) of Jacksonville, Florida.

Grandchildren: Brave Isaiah Higgins, Solána Joy Higgins, Kaylyn Sydney Summers, Grayson Ryan Summers, and Eric "Ashton" Summers.

Sisters: Wilma Jean Gwynn, Linda Joyce Irby (Morris), and Laura Ann Roberts.

A host of devoted cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Sparta First United Methodist Church, with burial in Davis Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 AM Saturday at the church.

Felix Villa, Brent Savage, Chris Henderson, Jabbar Jordan, Ricky Terry, and Tony Officer will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Terry Dibrell, David Wayne Culley, J.B. Rittenberry, and Frank Teeple.