Dr. David Robert Stanton Sr.

Dr. David Robert Stanton, Sr., of Cedar Bluff, VA, affectionately known as “Doc”, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2015 in Tazewell, Virginia. In addition to his parents, Howard B. and Mae Stanton, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mert; brother, Dr. Howard B. Stanton; and sister-in-law, Jo. He is survived by his children, Susan Stanton Osborne and husband, Lee of Roanoke, VA, David Robert Stanton, Jr. and wife, Valerie of Cedar Bluff, VA, and Diane Stanton Tolley and husband, Dan of Purcellville, VA. Daddy Dave was beloved by his nine grandchildren: Martha Osborne of Richmond, VA, Rob Stanton of Smithfield, VA, Betsy Osborne of Roanoke, VA, Rachel Wells and husband, Thad of Walterboro, SC, Meg Osborne of Richmond, VA, John Stanton of Cedar Bluff, VA, Joseph Tolley of Blacksburg, VA, David Tolley and Patrick Tolley of Purcellville, VA, as well as one great grandson, Stanton and many beloved nieces and nephews. His constant canine companions, Amos and Marley. Dave was born in Roanoke, Virginia, graduated from Dublin High School, and attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute until his education was temporarily interrupted by his service to the Army Air Corp during WWII. He returned to VPI, graduated in 1950, and was accepted into the School of Dentistry at The Medical College of Virginia. Upon graduation in 1954, he bought his first set of golf clubs and moved with his wife, Mert to Richlands, Virginia to begin practicing dentistry and raise their family. He served his community for over 45 years as a dentist and for many years as the CEO and President of South West Virginia Tire Company, Southwestern Supply Co. and Virginia Metal Products. Dave was an avid supporter of the Virginia Tech football and golf teams. He was a member of the Hokie Club for over 60 years, Golden Hokie Club for 30 years, and helped to found the Virginia Tech Student Aid Association where he served as president from 1986 to 1988. He and his wife Mert provided the first endowed golf scholarship at Virginia Tech, The Stanton Scholarship, and became an honorary member of the Virginia Tech Golf Team on April 26, 1987. He was honored to have been a founding and life member of the UT PROSIM SOCIETY at Virginia Tech. Golf was Dave’s passion in life. He was a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Virginia State Golf Association and was involved in numerous activities and initiatives, including the founding of the VSGA Junior Golf program. Throughout his life, he regularly participated in VSGA Amateur and Senior Tournaments throughout the state. He was happiest when playing the course at Tazewell Co. Country Club with his canine sidekick, Amos, in the golf cart beside him. Dave was a modest, kind-hearted man who was devoted to his family and his community. He loved Virginia Tech tailgates, flying in his airplane, and playing golf with the many wonderful friends he made over the years. He never met a chocolate he didn’t like and never failed to get up early to make pancakes for his grandchildren. He was proud of his Tazewell County home and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family extends deep appreciation to the staff at the Heritage Hall Rehabilitation Center for their care of Dave during his illness. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Richlands First United Methodist Church; 402 Suffolk Ave; Richlands, VA 24641 with Rev. Betzy Elifrits-Warren officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 AM with the service being held at 11:00AM. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to: the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation; 600 Founders Bridge Blvd.; Midlothian, VA 23113; the First United Methodist Church in Richlands, VA; or the Good Samaritan Food Pantry; 106 Veterans Dr.; Richlands, VA 24641. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhome.com.

Dr. David Robert Stanton Sr.

May 7, 1927 - March 8, 2015