He was born in Beckley, West Virginia to Burgia Earles Via and George Edward Via, Jr and grew up in Christiansburg, VA.
David is survived by his wife of 53 years, “Betsy” Elizabeth Deal Via; daughter, Martha Via Harrison (Paul), grandchildren: Michelle Cousey (Jon), Jonathan (Genevieve), David (Megan), Peter, & Rachel Harrison and stepsons, Rex (Joanne), and John Hodgson; step grandchildren: Ryan Elizabeth, Jack, Colin and George Hodgson; great grandchildren: Ocean and Roscoe Harrison, nieces & nephews including Elizabeth Stanziale.
David was predeceased by his parents, Burgia Earles Via and George Edward Via, Sr., 5 brothers & sisters, former wife, Eleanor Gibson Via and son, Andrew Foye Via.
In 1951, David graduated from Emory & Henry College where he played guard on the winning football team. 1st Lieutenant David Lee Via proudly served in the US Army after which he graduated from Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry and practiced briefly on Tangier Island and for 35 years in Richmond, VA. He and Betsy retired to Nags Head, NC and have resided at Westminster-Canterbury for 19 years.
Dr. Via served on Alumni Boards at both schools; he was a member of MCV Sigma Zeta Honorary Society, Richmond Dental Society, Virginia State Dental Society and never missed an MCV School of Dentistry Homecoming event 1960 – 2019. He enjoyed wonderful friends and staff at Westminster-Canterbury, Croquet, Bingo, Bocce, “Follies”, and served on various committees.
David was a lifelong, active Methodist. During the 19 years he resided in Westminster-Canterbury he appreciated the Episcopal and Presbyterian Services.
The family would like to extend appreciation to the Staff of Enhanced Services, the Hoy Center, and Administration at Westminster-Canterbury for their caring and kindnesses.
A Memorial Service will be held in Westminster-Canterbury Trinity Chapel Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with reception to follow.
Should you wish to remember David, a contribution to Westminster-Canterbury Fellowship Fund, 3100 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; or Emory & Henry College, I-Hey Fund, Emory, VA 24327; or MCV/VCU Development and Alumni Relations, Box 843042, Richmond, VA 23284-3042; or your favorite charity.
