David Russell Sawyer

David Russell Sawyer, 74, of Smithfield passed in peace on August 26, 2017 after a brief illness. He was the son of Katherine E. Edwards and Joseph S. Sawyer. David retired from Newport News Shipbuilding and was proud of a number of innovative patents he held for the shipbuilding industry. He was a founding member of the Isle of Wight Fair Committee and served as chair of the fair for several years. He was an ardent amateur historian with a particular interest in World War II and the Civil War Battle of Smithfield. David was also an avid photographer and always had a camera nearby. He was a member of Oakland Christian Church. David never met a stranger and always had a story to share. He loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Martha (Marty) G. Sawyer; two daughters Michelle Sawyer and Angela (Angie) Russell. He is survived by two sisters, Melissa Sawyer and Joyce Larkin (Ed); two brothers, Richard Sawyer and Paul Edwards (Gail); a son-in law, Michael Russell (Denise); two grandchildren, Holly Russell and Sam Russell; 3 special children (Kayla Reagan Garnett, Kacie Reagan, and Daniel Reagan) that became family when his son-in law remarried; a number of nieces and nephews, including Andrea Clontz (Bobby) to whom he was particularly close; and his long-time companion, Diego the Cat. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 2 at 10 o’clock a.m. in St. Luke’s Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to a favorite charity. Condolences may be registered online at www.littlesfuneralhome.com