MSG Dave Harrington was friend, inspiration, instructor, and mentor to many readers of SSD, me included. Although we were never close, everytime I saw him he acted like we were lifelong friends and he wanted to catch up. He passed away last month but I’ve been waiting for a proper bio to share this man’s incredible story.
May He Rest In Peace, he more than earned it.
David Alan Harrington
August 1, 2025 (Age 64)
Greenwell Springs, Louisiana
Special Forces
David Alan Harrington, age 64, transitioned to glory on August 1, 2025, in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana. He was a beloved, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who will be fervently missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. Dave was born on November 2, 1960, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to James Harrington and Nell Marhefka. He graduated from Live Oak High School in Watson, Louisiana in 1979. After graduation, he followed his passion to serve our great nation and began his lengthy career in the U.S. military. Dave served fearlessly in the U.S Navy, and the U.S. Army from 1986-2004. He earned numerous commendations, honors, and medals throughout his years of dedication. Dave was a respected Army Ranger, Green Beret, and Special Forces veteran. Some of his accomplishments include the meritorious service medal, National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Royal Thai Army Airborne Wings, Special Forces and Intelligence honors and many more. He is a true American hero and will continue to be celebrated for his incredible sacrifice and commitment to our country, his family, friends and to his integrity. He was known as “Super” Dave Harrington for many reasons.
Dave spent the first half of his life serving and protecting others. He spent the second half of his life teaching others to protect themselves. After completing his military career, Dave entered the Firearms and Outdoor Industry. He is widely recognized as a prolific and exemplary firearms instructor and competitive shooter. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and skill with individuals and groups, from high-level military tacticians to civilians wanting to become more skilled with their knowledge and use of firearms. Through Combat Speed, LLC and Martial Gun, Dave trained countless people to better their mindset, individual skills, and overall confidence to be their absolute best – which was, to him, always something to keep training towards, no matter how good you thought you were. He was a sponsored competitive shooter and was supported by so many companies along the way that believed in him and his outstanding skill and his drive for excellence. Dave was an unwavering supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights and an avid hunter. Words are not sufficient to describe the impact he has had on the firearms and outdoor community. He will forever be known as one of the VERY best of the best; not just for his skill, but for who he was as a man. Intense, loyal, focused, deep-thinking, accountable, trustworthy, dedicated and kind-hearted are words that only scratch the surface of who Dave was. He was a unique human being blessed by God with immense talent, an immeasurable will and great strength for endurance.
Dave exemplified excellence through his strong work ethic and unwavering devotion to doing what was right. He embodied this belief: “Do the right thing, at the right time, every time.” He loved his country. He loved his guns. He loved his family. He loved his friends and good times together. He loved AC/DC and playing the guitar. He loved his cats. In his final days, he loved hearing Psalm 91 read aloud. He would want you to read it and think of him. He said what he meant and meant what he said. He was impactful, honorable, and unforgettable.
Dave fought valiantly until the very end at 3:33AM on August 1st . Two of Dave’s common phrases were, “That’s all I got” and “OK, here goes” … They are the perfect exit and entry from his last moments on earth and his first glimpse of eternity. He would not want us to mourn him in sadness, but to simply look ahead to the day when we will see him again.
Dave is survived by his stepbrother Eric Wesley Harrington (Pamela Harrington) of Baton Rouge.
Brother, Peter Wayne Harrington of Portland, Oregon, aunt and uncle Sue Harrington Talley and Wayne Talley of Greensburg, LA, cousins Vickie Harrington Smith (Charles Everett Smith); Elizabeth Harrington Robertson; Renee Harrington; Shannon Harrington Kennedy-Perri; Fred Newman, III; Mitchell Newman; Darren Talley and Cherae Talley Slack, and numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Dave is preceded in death by his beloved father James Edward Harrington; Mother: Gay Nell Marhefka; brother Jon Everett Harrington; paternal grandparents Pearlie Everett Harrington and Hazel Margaret Young Harrington; uncle & aunt Bobby Gene Harrington and Beverly Williams Harrington; aunt and uncle Lela Ann Harrington Newman and Fred Newman, Jr.; and cousin: Kara Danette Talley Worthington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dave’s memory to either the Special Forces Trust (sftrust.org) or the Black Dagger Military Hunt Club (www.blackdaggermhc.org/how-to-support/).
This obituary is courtesy of Bonnie Cooper’s tireless work at Special Forces TAPS on Facebook.
