David was born in Houston, Texas, to Buck and Kathryn Clem, the second of three children. When he was 12, the family moved to Spring, Texas, where he later attended Spring High School. While at SHS, David played junior varsity football.

In 1975, David met Julie Prince, and in 1976, the two were married. They would end up sharing 42 years together, raising a family of three children and four grandchildren. For over 30 years, he worked for Drilltec, working his way up from sweeping floors to Vice President-Engineering. Although lacking in formal education, he was respected for his self-taught engineering skills among his professional peers.

In his spare time, David developed a love for gardening and cooking. For years, he was involved with the Assembly of God Tabernacle as children's pastor and a commander of the Royal Ranger outpost, ministering to young people and teaching them camping and wilderness skills. But more than anything, David loved spending time with his family.

David was preceded in death by his father Buck and sister Debra. He is survived by his mother, Kathryn, and sister, Linda Ford, his wife of 42 years Julie, his son Christian and wife Michelle, daughter Stephanie, son Austin and wife Mary Ellen, and grandchildren Jackson, Brooklyn, Tanner, and Paisley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.