David McGar Stoughton

David McGar Stoughton, beloved friend, husband and father, passed away peacefully in his home, at the age of 70.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Elizabeth Stoughton, brother Mark Whittier Stoughton, son Andrew Russell Stoughton, and former wife Mary Lou Stoughton.

Born in Yonkers, New York, he, his brother and parents moved to Lakeland, Florida in 1959. David would retell his father Howard choosing Lakeland as their residence on the account that it was the ‘heart of the state’ and ‘well protected from hurricanes’. The following year, at the age of 4, David would tell the story of walking up the hill of his street with family during the ‘calm eye’ of Hurricane Donna as it made its way over Polk County. Since that moment, storms became a point of awe and excitement for him.

David was highly interested in all things mechanical and automotive. As a teenager he rebuilt and repaired dirtbikes with the intent to tear up the paths of the orange groves all across Polk County. After graduating from Lakeland High School, he began his 35 year-long career at Lakeland Toyota where he became a beloved coworker to all. Many customers would bring their vehicles in with instructions “Only Mr. Dave can work on!” His obsession with the combustion engine was unfettered; if there was a race on the TV and the competitors made an exhaust note, he tuned in to watch.

Growing up with a mother who played piano and a father who performed in the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra as lead cello, it was no question David would also find a passion in music. He learned to play guitar as a young adult, and in his words, “on a night where the power was out from a storm, and all I had was an acoustic and a vinyl of Dark Side of the Moon to keep me busy”. From then on, if there was a song in his heart, he would bust out the guitar and jam out til sunrise.

Another love of David’s was fishing. His favorite spot on the west side of the state was the Skyway Pier, and the east coast was Cocoa Beach. Once summertime hit and the weather was clear, he and his three sons would hit the road and enjoy a day in the salty sea air while using a mix of worms and squid as bait. It brought him great joy to be able to share his love of fishing with his grandson in his retirement years, both on Cocoa Beach and his son Matthew’s property in Ohio.

Above all, David loved his family, friends, and anyone willing to share a laugh. We will remember him for his enthusiasm, joyfulness, and drive to live life to the fullest. He is survived by his eldest son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Amanda Stoughton, grandson Andrew Robert Stoughton, sister-in-law Linda Stoll, and youngest son Mark Edward Stoughton.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Heath Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kidspack, Inc, a non-profit his son Mark works for, a pursuit David was very proud of and volunteered for often. https://www.kidspack.org/donate/