Capt. David M. Gist U.S.N., Ret.

Capt. David M. Gist, U.S.N., Ret.
Norfolk - Captain David Moore Gist, U.S. Navy-Retired passed away on September 27, 2012, at the age of 70. He was born on August 10, 1942 to the late Dr. Alphaeus Calvert Gist Jr. and late Gladys Jean Moore Gist of Mt. View, Arkansas. The young Gist family soon settled in Poplar Bluff, Missouri where Capt. Gist grew up and graduated from Poplar Bluff H.S. in 1960. He graduated cum laude from University of Missouri in 1964 where he was the NROTC Midshipman Captain and the College of Education's outstanding male graduate.
Recently commissioned in the U.S. Navy, then Ens. Gist reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training in 1964. He married Carolyn Jean Gray of Winfield, Missouri on May 29, 1965 shortly before receiving his Naval Aviator Wings. Capt. Gist soon reported to his first squadron as an attack pilot. During his five tours in Vietnam, Capt. Gist flew 298 combat missions. He received numerous awards including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Capt. Gist received an M.P.A. from the University of Washington in 1974 and graduated from the Naval War College in 1976.
Capt. Gist commanded Attack Squadron EIGHTY TWO from 1979 to 1980. Aboard the USS America, he was the Air Officer from 1984 to 1985. Capt. Gist was assigned to the U.S. NATO delegation in Brussels, Belgium in 1985 and served as chief of staff for the delegation from 1986 to 1988. Returning stateside, Capt. Gist took command of NAS Lemoore, California from 1988 to 1990.
In 1994, Capt. Gist retired from 30 years of service in the Navy. He began working at the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission where he served as the regional housing program coordinator for 10 years.
Capt. Gist is survived by his wife Carolyn of Richmond, Va.; son Chris, daughter-in-law Stephanie, and granddaughter Meg of Charlottesville, Va.; son Aaron of Rodgers, Ar.; and brother Joe and sister-in-law Diane of Newport News, Va.
As a long time member of the Unitarian Church of Norfolk in Norfolk, Va., Capt. Gist volunteered to help house homeless people. In retirement, he became a certified financial adviser to assist seniors with their finances. Capt. Gist enjoyed working with his Bearded Collies, fishing, bicycling, bird watching, amateur radio, and spending time with his granddaughter.
On Thursday June 13, 2013 at 11 AM, Capt. Gist will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.
H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements.