David was born on July 22nd, 1959, to Wheeler and Evelyn (Timmons) Santmyer and grew up primarily in McLean and Leesburg, graduating from Langley High School in 1978.
After college in Georgia, David worked for United Way of America. Later, he spent over a decade as a freelance photographer and audio-visual specialist, serving a wide range of clients from American Express and Mobil Oil to the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1999 to 2007 he worked for the Newseum in Arlington, before returning to freelance work.
A talented photographer, David loved animals, nature and the outdoors. He traveled extensively in the United States and overseas.
David had many friends, several of them dating from his schooldays. A man of deep faith, a gentle and kind man, he was a devoted caregiver for both his parents in their final years. He had a keen and quirky sense of humor. He was generous to a fault with friends and family. He left us too soon and will be sorely missed.
David is survived by his sisters, Sharon Harroun Peirce (Bob), and Kathy Day (David); his nieces, Jocelyn Merkel and Erin Harroun; and his nephews, Trey Luke, Justice Goracke, and Timothy Day.
David's twin sister, Tina, passed away shortly after on February 15th, 2025. Their joint funeral will be held on Sunday March 2nd at Dignity National Memorial Funeral Home in Falls Church - visitation at 1pm, service at 2pm, and burial. A reception will follow at Mylo’s Grill in McLean.
