David Warren Lewis

David Warren Lewis, PhD. of Charlottesville passed away on February 1, 2024, at Hospice of the Piedmont's Center for Acute Hospice Care. During his last days, he was surrounded by family who cherished him beyond measure.

He was born to Frederick and Prudence Lewis in Salem, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 67 years, Mary Alice Umstott Lewis. His sisters, Emma Jane, Betty, and Nancy, and infant twin sons, Timothy and Robin also preceded him in death.

He leaves behind four daughters, Tamara (Jim) Bowden of Ivy, Rebecca (Jamey) Saunders of Kill Devil Hills, NC, Amy (Bill) Smith of Richmond, and Jennifer (Bill) Fowler of Ruckersville. His legacy includes 12 grandchildren, Zella (Keith), Corinne (Anthony), Emily, Gwendolyn (Brady), Madeline (Michel), Timothy (Debra), Erika (Matt), Jed, Summer, Mary (Izu), Annabel (Samuel), and Noah (Cecil), and six great-grandchildren, Grace, Owen, Myra Joy, Jacob, Jase, and Arlo. David also leaves behind his brother Ted Lewis of Houston, Texas, sister-in-law Charlotte (Jerome) Miller of Charlotte, NC, brother-in-law John Umstott of Barberton, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church since moving to Charlottesville in 1963 and lived in Ivy from 1969 until 2017. He was a Professor Emeritus after 37 years in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, University of Virginia. While teaching part-time at Rice University and Northwestern University, he earned several graduate degrees. Experiences included teaching at The Naval Postgraduate School and industrial work at IBM, Shell Research, Bell Helicopter, and Allison Division of General Motors.

David was an inventor, writer, and hobby painter. He finished his last book of thoughts on the soul two weeks before his passing. David sang in the church choir for decades, and taught himself to play the piano. He read for Recording for the Blind, and he had a stack of fiction and non-fiction books and manuals to peruse which kept his mind sharp. David loved spending time with his family, hearing about their travels and lives. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were precious, and he never tired of holding the newest members of the family. His steadfast love, wisdom, and kindness will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends. Interment at the University of Virginia Cemetery will occur at a later date.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hillandwood.com.