David Russell Sawyer, 74, of Smithfield passed in peace on Aug. 26, 2017 after a brief illness.  He was the son of Katherine E. Edwards and Joseph S. Sawyer.  

David retired from Newport News Shipbuilding and was proud of a number of innovative patents he held for the shipbuilding industry.  He was a founding member of the Isle of Wight Fair Committee and served as chair of the fair for several years.  He was an ardent amateur historian with a particular interest in World War II and the Civil War Battle of Smithfield.  David was also an avid photographer and always had a camera nearby.  He was a member of Oakland Christian Church.  David never met a stranger and always had a story to share.  
He loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Martha (Marty) G. Sawyer; two daughters Michelle Sawyer and Angela (Angie) Russell.  He is survived by two sisters, Melissa Sawyer and Joyce Larkin (Ed); two brothers, Richard Sawyer and Paul Edwards (Gail); a son-in law, Michael Russell (Denise); two grandchildren, Holly Russell and Sam Russell; three special children (Kayla Reagan Garnett, Kacie Reagan, and Daniel Reagan) who became family when his son-in law remarried;  a number of nieces and nephews, including Andrea Clontz (Bobby) to whom he was particularly close; and his long-time companion, Diego the Cat. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m. in St. Luke’s Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to a favorite charity. Condolences may be registered online at www.littlesfuneralhome.com