David Henry Sunderlin

David Henry Sunderlin, 93, of Winchester, VA, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, at his beloved home since 1962. David was known to many as "Dave", "Big Dave", "Dad", "Sarge", "Koss", "Granddad", and even "Old Man."
Dave was born November 13, 1931, in Milam, WV, son of the late Alton "Alt" E. Sunderlin and Armeeda Evans Sunderlin. He was a proud graduate of John Handley High School (Class of 1953) as he worked three jobs while trying to finish school. Dave enlisted in the United States Army National Guard, Winchester, in 1949 where he served for 24 years alongside three of his brothers rising to the rank of First Sergeant in Company C and retiring in 1972 from Warrenton. He married the love of his life, Essie "Connie" C. Barham on December 28, 1952 in Winchester. He even named his tank in the guard "Connie" after his wife who he adored. Both him and his wife were long-term members and servants of God at Calvary Covenant Brethren Church where Dave taught bible school. He was a sales representative for Valley Distributors and Big-A Auto Parts which later became Car Quest. He was so devoted; he retired twice from the company and still went back to work part time.
He was a very, very active man with lots of hobbies. He was an expert in waterskiing, boating, hunting, horseshoes, target shooting, and reloading ammunition. One of his proudest accomplishments was being able to walk up and down the stairs of Handley High School on his hands. Even though he was a harsh military man, the local kids were drawn to him. He was known for going on runs around the neighborhood while the kids tried to keep up. He'd take them to the Shenandoah River to teach them to waterski, but if they were late, he'd leave without them. Dave's athletic ability was impressive as he was also known to waterski using one ski. He loved his two sons and even got himself a dirt bike just to ride with them; he was the "big kid."
He is survived by his sons, David A. Sunderlin, Todd L. Sunderlin (Karen); five grandchildren (Heather Sunderlin, David H. Sunderlin II, Jacob Alton Sunderlin, and "his twin girls" Lydia Sunderlin Marshall and Katherine Mary Sunderlin); two great grandchildren; as well as his "adopted children" Debbie and Marvin Massie and his dear sister, Millie Burks. Along with his wife of over 60 years, Connie, Dave was preceded in death by his brothers, Theodore A. Sunderlin, Charles R. Sunderlin, Homer W. Sunderlin, and Dwight D. Sunderlin.
The family will receive friends Friday, March 14, 2025, at Jones Funeral Home in Winchester from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will take place Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Calvary Covenant Brethren Church at 11:00 am with Pastor Jonathan Martino officiating. Burial will take place Monday, March 17, 2025, at Shenandoah Memorial Park.