David Straw

David Ernest Straw

David Ernest Straw, 77, of Snapps Mill Road, Spout Spring, passed away Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, at Virginia Baptist Hospital after a brief illness. David was born May 27, 1933, in Campton, N.H. David leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Patricia Tompkins Straw. In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by two sons, Michael Straw, of Lynchburg, and his wife, Catherine, and son Stephen Straw, of Spout Spring, and his wife, Deborah. David also leaves behind three grandchildren, Megan, Sarah Catherine, and Matthew and his wife, Kristin. He also leaves behind his mother in-law, Barbara Matthews, and husband, John, and his special cousin, Carol Cray, and husband, Dick. David was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Dorothy Smith, of Campton, N.H., his grandmother, Agnes Plant, his brothers, Bernard Smith Jr. and Paul Smith, and his aunt, Edith Stephens, and husband, Roland. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

David was a graduate of Plymouth High School in Plymouth, N.H., and attended college at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. After graduation, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force. David worked most of his life in sales. Together with his wife, Patricia, he owned and operated Blue Ridge Kennels in Lynchburg for over 30 years. He served a number of years as a 4-H parent and club advisor and also served a number of years as a DeMolay dad. David enjoyed raising Irish Setters and English Cocker Spaniels, and was an avid NASCAR fan. He was a member of Monroe Lodge #301 A.F. & A.M. and a Mason for more than 40 years. David was also a member of Appomattox Chapter #10 O.E.S.

A memorial service and Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m.Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010, with a family visitation following at Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, (434) 237-9424, is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneral

home.com.