David Michael Counce

DAVID MICHAEL COUNCE SR. of
Indianapolis, formerly of Danville, IL, son of Ollie Counce and Ridgeway Counce, passed away at Indiana University on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Born on March 13, 1952, in Danville, Illinois, David was the youngest of 10 children. Growing up, he loved playing basketball at the Laura Lee Fellowship House and was chosen to play on the Danville High School Varsity squad in his first year of high school. He attended Danville Junior College, now known as Danville Area Community College (DACC), and played basketball there for 2 years, setting a DACC freshman scoring record. He earned the nickname “Downtown Counce” from his days of playing in the Dust Bowl, where his sharp shooting and court presence left a lasting impression. After leaving college, he worked at General Motors for 30 years. David loved watching the University of Illinois athletics, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago Bulls—and taking “guy’s trips” with his son and best friend David Jr. to visit his brother Robin.

In his later years, he embraced a peaceful life filled with love, routine, and quiet joy. He and his wife shared many travels, which they affectionately called their “adventures,” often ending in their favorite pastime—casino dates. He took great pride in caring for his home and lawn, cutting the grass every Monday without fail, and spending time in his man cave. Together, they lived life simply and on their own terms. Toward the end of his life, he became a caregiver for his wife—an act of love that defined the depth of their bond.

David Sr. leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Shirlene Counce; his son David Jr.; his daughter Aisha Conway; his children-in-love Jalana Jackson (Harrison), Shana Isaac, and JaiRone Dixon; two brothers, Elder Hubert Suggs (Kay) and Robin Counce (Shirley); four sisters, Shirley Hendricks, Jacqueline Cunningham (Herman), Cynthia Peete, and Michele Cooper (John); 20 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; three brothers, Thomas Suggs, Floyd Suggs, and Phillip Suggs; and his son-in-love, JaiRone Dixon.

A Homegoing service will commence at noon, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. Synagogue COGIC-Danville. Visitation will begin at 11AM until the start of the service. Eulogist Pastor Charles Hargrove Sr., Officiant Pastor Tommie Reed, Burial Atherton Cemetery. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Michael Counce, please visit our floral store.