David Wall spent much of his life creating — through photography, metalwork, gardening and service to his community. Today, that creativity and commitment is focused on caring for his wife, Holly, who now resides at New Horizons Limestone.
The couple met while attending Oglethorpe University during freshman orientation, known as “RAT Week.”
“I met Holly during ‘RAT Week’,” said David. “She had ‘RAT’ written on her forehead with no makeup and was wrapped in a white sheet over her clothes.”
The two struck up a conversation and soon attended a Sadie Hawkins dance together. After David completed his required military service, they reunited and married eight months later in 1960.
“We are best friends and truly enjoy being together,” said David.
A creative career
David grew up in suburban North Atlanta in the 1940s, when large residential properties were common.
“Most residential lots were 10 to 20 acres or more,” said David. “Everyone had farm animals and large gardens. I worked in the barn and gardens from an early age.”
His early interest in mechanics, electronics and photography led him to build his own darkroom as a teenager and later work for local newspapers, including photographing high school sports for The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution. While attending the University of Georgia, he designed a photo lab for the archaeology department and photographed its first artifact catalog.
After returning from military service, David worked as CEO of his family’s real estate, construction and hotel business in Atlanta. When a recession in the early 1970s severely impacted the industry, he turned to blacksmithing — originally a hobby — as a profession.
“I loved what I was doing and was able to make a living at it,” he said.
His metalwork led to commissions for Busch Gardens in Virginia and Florida, Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, Piedmont University and other institutions. Holly, a multimedia artist and doll maker, pursued her own creative work while supporting his.
“As artists, we supported each other and relished the joy of creating,” said David.
Family life and community service
The couple raised four children — one daughter and three sons — while maintaining a home-based studio and garden.
“Gardening was always a major family activity,” said David. “I prepared the soil and planting. Holly oversaw the harvesting.”
In 1982, they moved to Habersham County, where David became involved in community emergency services, including serving as a volunteer firefighter, EMT and rescue chief. He later taught medical courses and served as county administrator before returning to sculpture full time. Holly worked at the Habersham County Library from 1983 until 2005.
David did not retire until 2022, the same year Holly’s health significantly declined.
Holly’s health
David first noticed changes in Holly’s memory in the early 2000s.
“In 2003, she became a little forgetful, but physically she was healthy and active,” he said.
In 2008, Holly was diagnosed with breast cancer and successfully completed treatment. In May 2022, she suffered a spinal injury related to osteoporosis, leading to hospitalization and surgery. During recovery, her confusion increased, and neurological evaluation later resulted in a diagnosis of Parkinson’s dementia without tremor.
“Due to her condition, there was no way I could be on call 24/7 by myself,” said David. “That’s when long-term care became necessary.”
The transition was difficult.
“The hardest part is seeing someone you’ve been partnered with for 65 years become mentally and physically reduced,” he said. “The lack of communication and watching the decline is heartbreaking.”
Staying connected
David visited Holly regularly.
“There are days she doesn’t recognize me, and days when a big smile comes on her face when she sees me,” said David.
During visits, they sit together, talk about family and spend time outdoors when possible.
“There’s a special touch I use on her shoulders,” said David. “She knows it’s me. A smile comes on her face. Nothing said.”
Creating a peaceful garden space
After Holly moved into long-term care, David noticed the facility’s enclosed courtyard was unused. With the right approval from leadership, he designed and developed a garden for residents, families and staff.
“After this many years of experience, I could visualize what the space could be,” said David.
With approval from facility leadership, he now maintains the garden and leads gardening activities twice a month in coordination with the activities director.
“To see the smiles on residents’ faces while working in the dirt is very rewarding,” said David.
Leah Hughes, manager for New Horizons Limestone, said his presence and commitment hasmade a meaningful difference throughout the facility.
“He is truly special to our residents, our staff and, most importantly, to his wife,” said Hughes. “What he brings here goes far beyond the garden. His care, consistency and willingness to give of himself create moments of connection and purpose for so many people.”
Hope for Holly and others
Despite challenges, David remains focused on doing what he believes is right for his wife and others around him.
“We did not enter into this relationship lightly,” he said. “As our minister said at our wedding: ‘For better or worse.’”
Hope, he said, has changed meaning.
“It doesn’t always mean recovery,” said David. “But it can mean making others feel love and peace wherever they are.”
Learn More
Long-term care services support residents, families and caregivers, including individuals like David who remain closely involved in their loved one’s care. Volunteer involvement also plays a role in supporting residents and care teams.
“I never feel uneasy when I leave Holly at the end of the day,” said David. “The care she receives is not only professional and compassionate, but something I would call family. From management to individual assistants, everyone shares the same warm, welcoming approach, with friendly hellos in the hallways and genuine care for every resident.”
To learn more about long-term care services at Northeast Georgia Health System, visit nghs.com/long-term-care. Information about volunteer opportunities is available at nghs.com/volunteer.