Daniel Joseph David

Daniel Joseph David, age 73, is now present with the Lord after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, at home with his beloved family by his side. Dan was a loving husband, dad, "Pop-Pop", friend, and physician.
Dan was born on August 30, 1951 in Bluefield, West Virginia to Joyce Arnold David Fleming. After spending his early years in West Virginia, he and his mother moved to live with his maternal grandparents in Roanoke, VA. He went on to graduate from William Byrd High School in 1970, Washington & Lee University in 1974, and University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1978. During this time, he married his "Princess", Rita in 1972. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on June 23, 2025. He completed his residency at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in 1981 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force (USAF) – spending four years at Carswell Air Force base in Fort Worth, TX.
Following discharge from the USAF in 1985 he joined the faculty of the East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, TN. There he served most of his career as the Residency Director of the Family Medicine program, helping train hundreds of future physicians. Dan used his skills as a physician to serve those locally and internationally. He had a passion for caring for the elderly and always had a listening ear when a nursing home resident wanted to chat. He also served on several medical mission trips to Mexico, including some with his only child (Kristin), nephew (Mitchell), and son-in-law (Chris). While in Mexico the team was grateful to have the opportunity to save lives - both physically and spiritually (sharing God's love to all who wanted to hear).
After retirement, Dan and Rita moved to Ooltewah, TN to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and beloved granddaughters (Kendall and Lily). Dan became active in their church's "Lifeboat" men's group. They frequently went to breakfast or lunch to share in fellowship and food. Dan and Rita enjoyed spending time in Pigeon Forge, TN, Destin, FL, and even closer to home – driving the loop of Enterprise South to take in God's creation. They were known to love a good road trip!
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Joseph "Joe" Arnold and Mary Gray Runions Arnold; mother Joyce Arnold Fleming; aunt Jackie Arnold Fitzgerald; uncles Jim "Jimmy" Arnold and Neal Wray; mother-in-law Emma Jean Via; and brother-in-law Roger Wayne Via.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rita Mae Via David; "daddy's girl" daughter Kristin (Chris) Ownby; granddaughters Kendall and Lily; special sisters Joy (Donnie) Via Scott and Karen Via Langley; uncle Dean Fitzgerald; cousins Mark (Katrina) Fitzgerald, Kasey Fitzgerald, and Linda Gail (Jyll) Luallen Maddox; nephews (Brett, Chad, Mitchell, and Dylan); and nieces (Lisa and Tracy).
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gregory Sutton and the entire team at Tennessee Oncology (Ringgold, GA), Dr. Juan Sarmiento (Emory University Hospital), the "Lifeboat" Men's Group at Christ United Methodist Church (Chattanooga, TN), their "Front Gate Circle", Gooden Compassionate Care, and Hearth Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his memory to ETSU Quillen College of Medicine where a scholarship will be set-up in his name. Please send contributions to: ETSU Advancement, PO Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 36714 or visit www.etsu.edu/give. Make checks payable to the ETSU Foundation and please reference Dr. Daniel David on the memo line.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 17th at 6:00 pm at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Debbie Stokes and Rev. Fred Dearing officiating. Karen Langley, Len Hale, and Roger Medlin will share remarks and scripture readings by Kendall Ownby and Lily Ownby.
Burial will be on Friday, July 18th at 10:00 am at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 4:30 pm until 6:00 pm at Christ United Methodist Church.
You may share condolences with the family at www.heritagechattanooga.com
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.