David Files Riemann

David Files Riemann, age 73 of Gulfport, MS, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Martin Riemann and Iva Frances Files Riemann; brother, Robert Malcom “Mack” Riemann; mother-in-law and father-in-law; Gwen Hand Gollotte and Wilfred Elton Gollotte; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vicki and David Cobb.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diane Gollotte Riemann; his children, David Chadwick “Chad” (Heather) Riemann, Ashlie Riemann (Jason) Holt, Robert Addison (Natasha) Riemann, and Jeffrey Michael (Anne Lauren) Migues; grandchildren, Samuel Thomas Holt, Sadie Noble Riemann, John David Riemann, Emma Allen Riemann, Ethan Paul Holt, Maddison Anne Migues, Mary Annaleise Migues, and Giavanna Love Riemann; brother, Michael John (Cindy) Riemann; brother-in-law, Wilfred Geoffrey (Debby) Gollotte; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

As a young teen he was a champion barrel racer with his equine partner, Diablo.  He graduated from Gulfport East High School in 1968 where he played basketball and was All Big 8.  David would later join the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and graduate from Millsaps College with a bachelor’s degree.

A third-generation funeral director, he was Chairman of Riemann Family Funeral Homes before his retirement in 2019. David served in many professional and civic capacities and was a two-time President of the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association, two-time Mississippi Funeral Director of the Year recipient and past president of the International Order of The Golden Rule, an international professional funeral organization.  He was a confirmed Catholic and a parishioner of St. James Catholic Church.

Riemann was perpetually seeking new ways to offer better, meaningful services through his profession. He graciously helped those in need while never expecting recognition. His passion was in service to families, and his professional discipline carried over from his father and grandfather. David loved the outdoors, and he often fed the Cardinal birds in his back yard associating them with his heavenly family members.

Because of the strong friendships cultivated through Carnival, David loved Mardi Gras and served in the Court and as King of Revelers Carnival Association, served as King of the Order of Billikins, and served as a Duke in Gulf Coast Carnival Association and as GCCA’s King D'Iberville in 2015, an honor of which he was extremely proud.

His heart and soul belonged in Destin, FL, where he served as Treasurer at the Destin Yacht Club. It was there overlooking the beautiful water that he truly found his peace. From daily walks along the boardwalk on a journey to find Pete the pelican, to his Captain’s chair on his pontoon boat in search of a pod of dolphins, the Destin seascape was his joy. His family could expect daily sunset photos from David as he would always tag us, “it’s absolutely Amazin’, or Good nite from Destin!” Those who knew he loved Destin will remember him as the “Mayor of Crab Island.” A rabid Ole Miss fan, many called him "Rebel," around football season, and he never left the harbor without proudly flying his Ole Miss flag.

Visitation will be 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at St. James Catholic Church, Gulfport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:30 pm. Interment is in Southern Memorial Park.

Memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com , and memorials may be made in his memory to Feed My Sheep, www.feedmysheepgulfport.org .