David Gary Hess

David Gary Hess, 71, of Williamsburg, Virginia, died peacefully at home in the arms of his family on July 30, 2021 after a valiant battle with cancer. David was born on March 22, 1950, to Bertha and David Hess in Bellefontaine, Ohio. While in school, he worked hard for the family business in the Hess Service Center, pumping gas and butchering beef. After graduating from Zanesfield High School in 1968, he continued his long journey as a hardworking man starting off with the New York Central Railroad, delivering dairy products door to door, and a variety of positions at the then Valley Hi Ski Slope. He later enlisted in the Air Force in 1976. He was proud to serve in the Armed Forces and especially enjoyed how his military career took him around the world and gave him the opportunity to earn several college degrees. He retired from the Air Force as a Captain in 1994 in Hampton, Virginia. David then joined other veterans in building the CollaborX military consulting firm of which he retired from in 2010. He spent the remainder of his retirement years doing what he loved most…teaching, designing, and creating furniture, art, and nick knacks in his woodshop. David is survived by his wife Carla Hess, who married for 18 years, supported him until his final day along with his true ‘man’s best friend’ Speck. David enjoyed traveling the world with Carla and spending much of their time together enjoying their backyard oasis with family and friends, fountains, fire pits, birds, plenty of laughter and relaxing times. He is also survived by his children with Mary Anspach, first marriage: Lori Keefer (Jerry), Marie Hess, Erica Jenkins (Vinnie Carattini), and Jason Hess along with his grandchildren Jessica Bassili, Teresa Keefer, Victoria Keefer, Dana Jenkins, and Aidan Jenkins. Along with his step-children from his second marriage: Corey Wade (Meghan), and Bryan Wade (Taylor). David enjoyed nothing more than to spend time with his children and grandchildren teaching them all of his many wisdoms and “Making Memories”. He is survived by his siblings Linda Toothman (Rodger), Jacqueline Clark, and Dan Hess. He was preceded in death by his sister, Leslie Keith. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering on Tuesday August 10, 2021 anytime between 6 - 8 pm at the Nelsen Funeral Home located at 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188. Military Honors will be provided on the adjoining lawn at 7:30 pm.