Dr. David A. Gladwell

Dr. David A. Gladwell

Dr. David Arthur Gladwell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, & friend died on Friday, August 8, 2025 in the Northern Neck of Virginia where he had lived for the last year.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Brownie Beryl and Arthur Lee Gladwell and his sister, Nancy Gladwell Ritchie.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Beth); by his son, David Andrew (Drew) and his wife, Sarah and their daughter, Charlsie Wrenn Gladwell; and by his daughter, Lee Ann DeHart Gladwell Kontos and her husband, Gregory Edward Kontos and their children, Adelaide Marian and Samuel Kenneth.

Dave's idyllic childhood in Lewisburg, West Virginia was the beginning of a long and happy life. He went to Marshall University before enrolling at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN.

He had a successful Optometry practice in Bedford until his retirement in 2014. He was devoted to his patients.

As everyone in Bedford remembers, Dave was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed that hobby with several friends for over forty years. With an interest in everything related to fishing, he collected antique fly rods, antique fishing tackle, and antique advertising for fishing tackle. He tied all of his own flies and when fishing he carried what he would need to match the hatch that day.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the National D-Day Memorial.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.