David Alton Winfrey, 74, of Beaverdam, passed away on August 6, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Winfrey and daughter, Karen Winfrey; his love, Dorothy Edgar; his parents, and a brother. David was a graduate of Elon College and University of Virginia. Mr. Winfrey was a teacher and principal in Hanover County as well as Page County. He enjoyed woodworking and creating antique duplicates. David is survived by four sisters and their spouses, his nieces and nephews, and many friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Nelsen Funeral Home - Ashland.
6 Entries
August 22, 2017
Gail Goodloe Trice
For some reason I have been thinking of people from my past and I decided to Google Dave's name. Such a shock to see his obituary. I was in high school when I would babysit for his daughter Karen. He and his wife, Helen, gave me and my future husband a rehearsal wedding party at their house in Ashland. I also remember trying to mate our collies. Of course my Maggie did not like the idea and ran away from his pen..so I spent 3 days out of school riding around the area yelling her name. Finally she came running toward my car on the 3rd day all nappy and matted. But I was so happy to see her. I have some wonderful memories of Dave, Helen and little Karen. Sorry we did not keep in touch. I have always felt that no one ever leaves totally until there is no one left to remember them...I will always remember until my dying days. Love to the family..so sorry for your loss.
August 14, 2017
Derrick Austin
I was blessed enough to come to know Mr. Winfrey first as my 5th grade mathematics teacher and later as principal at Shenandoah Elementary School. A teacher-student relationship evolved into a mentor-mentoree one in which he inspired me to be the best version of myself as I could be. Most of all, he taught me to trust my gut and believe in myself, academically and athletically. I have many fond memories watching both UVA basketball and football games together in Charlottesville.
Anyone who knew him would agree that his grin and thoughtful words could turn around the worst of days.
Thank you, Mr. Winfrey.
Rest easy,
Derrick
August 14, 2017
Chantel Hensley
Dave Winfrey was an exceptional person. He was a wonderful colleague and principal and special member of our old Shenandoah Elementary family. Though Dave seemed gruff and intimidating to me upon first encountering him as a first-year teacher, it didn't take me long to realize that Dave was a caring person, good listener, and loyal supporter who gave great advice. He taught me many lessons about being an educator and about life in general, which I continue to apply daily. Dave also was a thoughtful, steadfast friend. Since his retirement over 10 years ago, he always remembered me with a Christmas card with a personal message about our shared interest in UVA sports. I know he sent the same type of card to many othersa considerate gesture that meant a lot to everyone who received them. Though I didn't get to visit with Dave as often as I would have liked, I thought of him often and will continue to do so. I consider myself truly blessed to have known Dave Winfrey. We will miss you, Dave. Rest in peace.
~My deepest sympathies to the family~
August 9, 2017
Shenandoah Elementary School
Those wanting to honor Mr. Dave Winfrey (former educator/principal at Shenandoah Elementary School) may make a donation to the Bill Miller Scholarship Fund at Elon College (Dave's Alma Mater). Bill Miller was Dave's basketball coach when he attended Elon. He had a great respect for Coach Miller and a passion for the basketball program. He was an active supporter of the basketball program at Elon and attended several home games throughout the current seasons. Dave was a great advocate for education and athletics. The family feels that would be a great way to pay our respects to Dave in his memory.
Checks in memory of Dave may be sent to:
Elon College
100 Campus Drive
2500 Campus Box
Elon, NC 27244
Please make check payable to The Bill Miller Scholarship Fund.
Please be sure to enclose a note with your check that the donation is made in memory of David A. Winfrey
August 8, 2017
Jerry and Anita Spence
How very deeply we will miss this dear man. When he was my principal, he earned my upmost respect. He was always there to encourage and support us. He was never too busy to give a caring, listening ear. He brightened my days with his great sense of humor. I will miss his phone calls,always beginning with "I was just thinking about Jerry and Anita". It warmed my heart. I wanted a lot more time to enjoy his friendship. God bless, Dave, and rest in peace. Love you, Jerry and Anita
August 7, 2017
Rosemary Comer
Dave was a very special person to those of us who knew him as a co-worker as well as principal of Shenandoah Elementary School. He was a dedicated educator, master craftsman, talented baseball and basketball player and a wonderful friend. He was very witty and seemed to always have a saying to fit any occasion. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and host of friends.
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