Loving & Living Life: Debi and David Bock

Issue: March-2022

David and Debi Bock

The story of Debi and David Bock’s romance encapsulates one of life’s most intriguing subjects – how two people fall for each other.  

And it’s a tale that reveals one of life’s ironies – that what could begin as a fleeting encounter could turn into a lifelong commitment.  

It could not have been predicted that Debi and David Bock would end up falling for each other when they met at a camp staff reunion on Memorial Day weekend in 1990. Debi had only recently gotten out of a relationship, and days earlier, David had filed for divorce.   

Perhaps that was why friends advised Debi to steer clear of David – as she did on the first day. Yet she had to admit that when she looked up and spotted David across the parking lot, she found him attractive.   At the last hour, they joined a hike with a group of friends and ended up talking into the night. After two days, they had a clear change of heart.  

The next day the pair returned to Atlanta and Debi invited David to her home. He never left – moving in after the weekend.  

“Debi is smart, cute, and funny,” said David, who added that, “When you know, you just know.” 

A year after that marathon date, David proposed, and they were married in Atlanta in a house they had purchased together.  

David was already the father of two boys when they met – 2 and 5 years old – and Debi soon gave birth to two girls. Life must have been busy, and hectic raising four children, working in real e
state development, building homes, and staying involved in their children’s activities.  

In 1999, they built what was to be a weekend house in Highlands. When the home was finished, they realized that Highlands offered unique opportunities.  By the fall of 1999, they had started a couple of “spec” houses in town and decided to relocate their business. 

But Debi didn’t want to move the children from Atlanta and their friends.  There was, as David says, “a lot of driving back and forth” for the next 15 years. It’s a testament to the strength of their bond that their marriage survived the distance and thousands of days apart. Certainly, it’s also a poignant illustration of their enduring  affection and devotion.  

As David explains, “She’s authentic, keeps me focused, and kicks me in the butt when I need it. And she’s my best friend.  We do everything together – work, travel, and play. We love being with friends, but we love just being with each other.” 

Debi tells me that “David is a true Boy Scout.  He’s the most honest, sincere and dependable person I know.  And he can be fun, too!” 

Today the couple have multiple businesses in Highlands – David Bock Builders, 4th Street Market, The Bridge at Mill Creek Restaurant, Mill Creek Village, and the Inn at Mill Creek.  They love to travel and do so whenever they can get a break from work.  

Years ago, they promised their children they would visit all 50 states before they turned 18 – the  adventures filling them all with a real love for exploration. 

Their hopes for the future – a long healthy life with more grandchildren, more travel, and less work.