David Terry Sawyer

Virginia Beach, VA – David Terry Sawyer, age 74, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, after a battle with ALS. A man of conviction, loyalty and profound dedication to his family, Dave leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, and love.

Born to Catherine Robinson Sawyer and the late Harry Emory Sawyer, Jr., Dave grew up with a strong sense of duty. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army.

Following his military service, Dave spent the majority of his career in Sales, where his wit and ability to connect with people allowed him to thrive. In his younger days, he was a passionate and active runner who loved the freedom of the road.

Dave a self-described Deist and fiercely believed that being in and around nature was a spiritual experience. Into the very end of his life, he always felt most at home in the forests and woods, a quality he shared with his late father and brother, and passed down to his son.

Later in life, Dave chose a retirement that kept him connected to his community. He became a Virginia Beach School Bus Driver, a role that brought him immense joy. He truly loved seeing the kids every day, bringing his signature humor and care to their morning and afternoon routines.

Above all, Dave was a family man. He held a deep devotion to his mother, Catherine, taking exceptional care of her over the years and sharing countless laughs that both cherished. But if you asked Dave about his greatest achievement, he would undoubtedly point to the birth of his son, Harrison. It was one of the proudest moments of his life, and Dave constantly looked forward to every phone call, update, and conversation with him throughout the years.

Dave is reunited in peace with his father, Harry, and his brother, Harry "Sunny" Sawyer, III.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his son, Harrison Cole Sawyer; his mother Catherine Sawyer; his brother Sunny’s Family: Wife Stephanie Sawyer, and children, Catsy Joy Parker (Husband Chad, children Gavin and Laney), Cody Sawyer (Wife Alicia), Killian Sawyer, Clare Sawyer, and Conor Sawyer; his brother, Steven Sawyer and wife, Stephanie; his sister: Joy Vann (and late husband, Corey Vann) and their daughter, Catherine Vann.

In accordance with Dave’s explicit wishes, there will be no formal services.

For those who wish to honor his memory, the family requests that donations be made in Dave’s name to organizations close to his heart and who were extremely helpful throughout his diagnosis of ALS, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, or the ALS Association.