Roll Call Tribute

Graham Funeral Home obituary
1112 Kempsville Road
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 382-7747
Fax: (757) 382-9522
Email: grahamfuneralhome@verizon.net

David E. Sawyer
1945 - 2017

David E. Sawyer, 72, succumbed to a rapidly advancing case of pulmonary fibrosis on August 20, 2017. He was born to the late George and Sally Sawyer July 3, 1945. Dave was a 1963 graduate of Oscar F. Smith; he attended VPI in 1967, Old Dominion in 1970 and finally earned his doctorate in 1972 from Texas AandM. He retired in 2014 after 47 years of service to public education. Dave was a full-time member of the faculties at the University of Alabama where he was awarded tenure and promoted to full professor; and later was a professor at Virginia Tech and finally Regent University. He served as an assistant superintendent for Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools for eight years, he also served as superintendent in the public schools for Pickens County (SC), Clovis Unified (CA), Brevard County (FL), Tulsa (OK) and Stafford County (VA).

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Joyce Ann. Together for 50 years they have enjoyed God’s blessings of a rich and fulfilling life. He is also survived by his sons, Gregory (Patty) and Bruce (Nathalie); six grandchildren, Jordan, Bruce, Jr., Natalie, Justin, Matthew and Stone; brother, Franklin Sawyer; sisters, Judy Smith, Marilyn Wesner (Darrell) and Lynn Cooke (Glenn).

The family will have a private graveside service. Those who wish to commemorate his life or friendship are asked to support Union Mission Ministries “Feed the Hungry”, 5100 East Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502 (unionmissionministries.org) or Gideon’s International. Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services will be caring for arrangements. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.