David Raymond Choby was an American Roman Catholic prelate known for his leadership of the Diocese of Nashville. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 17, 1947, he spent his priestly life within the local church and later became the diocese's eleventh bishop. His service combined pastoral care, administrative responsibility and public representation of the Catholic community in Nashville.
Early life and formation
Choby grew up in the Nashville area and pursued the education and formation typical for Catholic clergy, preparing for ordination and later pastoral ministry. Like many bishops, his background included parish work, diocesan assignments and involvement in programs supporting faith formation and sacramental life. His roots in the city informed his long-term commitment to local ministries.
Priesthood and episcopal service
After ordination to the priesthood he served in a variety of pastoral and administrative roles within the diocese. When the see was temporarily vacant, he acted as Diocesan Administrator from 2004 to 2006, managing the day-to-day governance of the local church. He subsequently served as the 11th Bishop of Nashville, guiding clergy, overseeing parishes and representing the diocese in broader church and civic settings.
Roles and responsibilities
- Governance: oversight of diocesan structures, finances and canonical matters.
- Pastoral leadership: setting priorities for parishes, schools and ministries.
- Clergy care: assignments, support and formation for priests and deacons.
- Public ministry: ecumenical relations, community engagement and teaching in the Roman Catholic Church.
Beyond administrative duties, a bishop is a primary sacramental minister in his diocese; celebrant of confirmations, champion of charitable work, and a voice for the church's social and moral teaching in local affairs. Bishop Choby's tenure reflected these typical episcopal functions adapted to the needs of the Nashville Catholic community.
Death and legacy
David Choby died on June 3, 2017, in Nashville at the age of 70 after developing an infection related to a fall. His passing was widely noted within the diocese and among Catholics in the region, who remembered him for steady pastoral leadership and long local service. His life illustrates the role of a diocesan bishop in sustaining parish life, clergy formation and engagement between church and wider community.
For further context about diocesan structures and the duties of bishops, readers can consult general resources on the organization of the Roman Catholic Church and the history of Catholicism in Nashville and Tennessee.