David Warren Ware Jr.

TOANO - David Warren Ware, Jr. , 68, of Yorktown, died tragically Friday, December 19, near his home. He was born in Williamsburg, May 20, 1946 to David W. (deceased) and Martha Millner Ware and moved to Toano at age 1. He attended Toano School, moving on to Matthew Whaley, and James Blair High School. He graduated from Christ Church Episcopal Boys School, and then the College of William and Mary. He was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity, where he was quite the life of the party. He served as an infantry Lieutenant in the US Army, 1968-1972 graduating from OCS at Fort Benning, GA, and was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ and Watertown, NY. Through his sister, Martha, he met his first wife, Chase Ware. Together they had 2 daughters, Katharine Stafford Ware Gregory, and Amanda Chase Ware Kizer. His second and present wife of 24 years, Sherron Ware, brought the addition of her son, Shane Hatchell, to his family. Over the course of his life, David operated the True Value Hardware Store, was general manager of the family shopping center, Colonial Towne Plaza, owned a roll off container business, and a construction company. He served on the James City County Board of Supervisors, representing Stonehouse District, 1977-79. David was enjoying his "semi-retirement" from "real jobs" when his life was heartbreakingly cut short. He spent his days fishing, planting tomatoes and watermelons, raising chickens, and gathering eggs. He was known for his "famous" BBQ-providing the meals for churches, condo parties, charities, or anybody who just happened to stop by to say hello-They usually left with not only BBQ, but eggs, watermelons, fish, tomatoes, or whatever was thriving at his place that day. David was a very gifted pianist and would often treat visitors to rousing renditions at the piano. He and Sherron were also quite the ballroom dancers. His absolute favorite activity was playing with and entertaining his grandchildren, Alex, Ian, Lily, and Theodore, (David called him, "The Beav"). He was always in his work van on his way to help somebody-to rebuild something, to repair something, to feed or to comfort somebody-and always, most assuredly, to entertain whomever he met by regaling one of his many, many hilarious, real life adventures. Even if they weren't hilarious, David would work it in such a way that they were. You were usually guaranteed a good laugh by the time you left David. He belonged to many organizations. He was not just a member in name only, but a full participating member-rolling up his sleeves and jumping in to make whatever organization a better place-always recruiting a crowd to accompany him to meetings. He belonged to the Jamestowne Society, the Mayflower Society, the Huguenot Society, the Society of the Cincinnati, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of VA, the Sons of the Revolution, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans--where he was instrumental in founding the 5th VA Cavalry chapter in James City County. David had just had his grandson Alex inducted as one of the youngest members ever. He was also very active in Operation Smile, and Hickory Neck Church. David also belonged to PeCK, a chicken owners association. David is survived by his wife, Sherron, his daughters : Kate Gregory and Amanda Kizer, his son, Shane Hatchell, grandchildren: Alex and Ian Gregory, Lily and Theodore "The Beav" Kizer, Amanda Gregory and Tristan Hatchell, and his sons-in-law: Thorpe Gregory and Steve Kizer. He is also survived by his mother, Martha "Sug" Ware, his brother, W. Walker Ware IV, his sisters, Martha Ware Petro and Mary Ware, and his brother-in-law, Joe Petro. He also had many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. David was baptised at Hickory Neck Church at the beginning of his life's journey, and his memorial service will be held there to commemorate the completion of his life's journey--New Year's Day at 11:00. Reception to follow at church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in David's memory to Hickory Neck Episcopal Church, 8300 Richmond Road, Toano 23168, or Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd., Va Beach 23453