David Henry Critzer

David Henry Critzer

David Henry Critzer, of Florence Avenue, Waynesboro, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 7, 2011. He had been hospitalized in April and passed away at Avante of Waynesboro.

David was born on March 3, 1918, in Nelson County, son of the late Allie Frances Cook Critzer and William Hampton Critzer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Virginia May Critzer in May 2008; daughter, Nancy Jordan in March 2001; brothers, infant Riley Page Critzer, Walter Wilson Critzer, John Lewis Critzer, and William Lawrence Critzer; and sister, Anna Lee Critzer May.

He is survived by his daughter, Shirley Harris of Silver Spring, Maryland; granddaughters, Heidi Harris of North Bethesda, Maryland, Jenee Jordan Libby and her husband, Bruce, of Ruckersville, Virginia, Tonya Jordan Pharr and her husband, Randall, of Richmond, Virginia; two great- grandchildren, Aaron and Miles Pharr; and a number of special nieces and nephews.

David was educated in Nelson County and Waynesboro schools. In June 1935, he went to work in the Manufacturing Department at DuPont. He later transferred to the Engineering Department, spent three years in the Acetate Department and was soon promoted to a Supervisor in the Orlon/Lycra Department. He became a Job Planner Analyst and did supervisory training for that position, as well as other supervisory positions. David spent 43 years at DuPont before retiring, the last 14 years were in supervision, seven years as a Maintenance Supervisor, and seven years as a Job Planner. He had a 25-year perfect attendance record set while at DuPont from 1948 until 1973. David married Katherine Virginia May on November 23, 1940. They were happily married for 68 years.

As a child, David joined Rodes Methodist Church in Nelson County and often attended the Main Street Methodist Church in Waynesboro. In 1951, he changed his church membership to the First Presbyterian Church and was a faithful member for 60 years. As a member, he served as usher, head usher, deacon, and in later years he greeted and collected church offerings. David was asked to be an elder but had to decline due to ill health. In the late 70's, David was asked to nominate other church members to be ushers.

David had a great love for the outdoors, which included hunting, fishing and gardening. He always shared the vegetables with friends and neighbors. Every year he had a season's ticket to the Waynesboro Generals baseball games. In later years, he loved to watch baseball on TV-especially his favorite team-the Atlanta Braves. David was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, Traveler's Association, AARP, and the National Rifle Association. As a young man, he enjoyed bowling and was a member of the DuPont softball team. He was a loving person with the kindest heart. He enjoyed getting to know everyone and never met a stranger. He enjoyed and appreciated each day the Lord gave him and valued his family, friends, and neighbors.

David Henry was a dedicated husband and father. He worked hard and many hours of overtime to send his two daughters to college. He always put the family first. He will be remembered for an abundance of kindness, visiting friends in the hospital and nursing care facilities as well as collecting money for flower memorials and cancer and heart funds on Florence Avenue for many years.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Avante, Pastors Glen Holman, Albert Connette, Lynn McClintock, Dr. Wesley Ross, his physician for many years, and especially Ruth Coyner, patient advocate/case worker/friend. The family would also like to thank neighbor, Tammie Wiest Ocheltree, who visited frequently and always asked if he needed anything from the grocery store.

A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2011, at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 618 West Main Street, with Pastors Glen Holman and Albert Connette officiating. A private interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Ron Smith, Dr. Mark Hammock, Roger Bryant, Leon Harouff, Tim Critzer, Kenny Critzer, William Critzer, Skip Lundsford, Hampton May, Larry May, George Coyner, and Conrad Guthrie.

The family will receive friends from 7 until 8 p.m. Sunday, July 10, 2011, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in David's memory to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 877, Waynesboro, VA 22980 or Waynesboro First Aid Crew, 301 West Broad Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

Relatives and friends may send condolences, share memories, and sign the guest register book online at www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.


This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.