David Wood Jefferies, 81, of Abilene, passed away on January 8, 2026 after a brief illness.

David was born in Abilene, TX, to Sissy & D.H. “Red” Jefferies, Jr., on October 15, 1944. David shared his birthday with his sister Peggy, who was two years older. He attended Fair Park Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High and Abilene High School. During high school, David excelled in both pole vaulting and on the football field. In the spring of 1962, David became the first person to clear 14’ 0” at the state meet clearing 14, 1.5” and winning the state championship. Following graduation in 1963, David furthered his athletic and academic career at the University of Texas where he was a 3-year letterman on the football team and studied business. He was a proud member of both Phi Gamma Delta and the Silver Spurs organization while in school.

Outside of short stints in Hereford, TX, and Fort Morgan, CO, David lived in Abilene, but his true home was always in Jones County. For most of his career, David was involved in various aspects of the cattle and oil business. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church.

Dave Jefferies was a linebacker on the 1966 Texas Longhorns football team.

He was part of a team that included Fred Edwards, Chris Gilbert, Bill Bradley Joel Brame, Dick Kimbrough, and Mike Perrin — a transitional defensive era just before the 1968–70 defensive dominance under Royal.

Jefferies was not a headline starter, but he was a rostered linebacker contributing to depth and special teams — the backbone roles that kept Royal’s teams competitive during the mid‑60s.

Below are some photos of his teammates

HORNS UP!