After a long and courageous fight with illness, David E. Andrew, Sr., 78, of Bridgeport, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday evening, March 25, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born January 5, 1937, in Sycamore, WV, David was the son of the late William Glen Andrew and Levene Smith Andrew.
Surviving are his wife, Judy J. Andrew, who he married February 15, 1959; a daughter, Pamela S. Riley and husband Philip; a son David E. Andrew, II, and his fiancée Sarah Long and son Kolter; two granddaughters, Tabitha N. Riley and Whitney M. Chappell (Scott); great-granddaughters, Piper J. Ingram and Sabbath Chappell; and a brother, Robert G. Andrew and wife Delores. David is also survived by sisters-in-law Rose E. Matheny and Sherry P. Barnes, along with brothers-in-law Robert M. Barnes (Virginia), John J. Barnes (Delores), Salvatore J. Barnes (Cathy), and Michael R. Barnes (Elizabeth) along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Preceding David in death were sister Janet A. Hess and husband Gordon, father and mother-in-law Robert M. and Josephine L. Barnes, brothers-in-law John C. Matheny and James P. Barnes, and sister-in-law Jone C. Barnes.
David attended Unidis High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Salem College. He went on to teach at Unidis High School as well as Oakley W. Best Middle School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan for several years. Upon returning to West Virginia, David worked as an Office Manager for the West Virginia Department of Highways. David went on to be a successful business owner with his own coal business and later owning and operating Muffler World in Bridgeport.
David was an avid outdoorsman and sports fan. His first loves were fishing and hunting and when he couldn’t be outdoors, David would be nestled in front of the television following NASCAR, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Steelers, or his WVU Mountaineers. For every season there was a sport that David was either participating or watching.
David was probably best known for his friendly, never met a stranger personality. More importantly, however, was his family first approach to life. He was a loving and caring father, grandfather and husband. David never missed an opportunity to tell anyone within earshot about his son, daughter, or grandchildren. His heart swelled with pride.
David will be greatly missed by all that knew him and the world a sadder place without him. For his family, there is a void that can never be filled. The world is a better place for having known David and Heaven is now a better place for his presence.
Condolences to the Andrew Family may be left at burnsidefuneralhome.com
Friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport, on Saturday from 5-8 p.m., and on Sunday from 1-8 p.m. David will lie in state at Bridgeport United Methodist Church from 11a.m. - 12 Noon on Monday, March 30, 2015, where services will be held at 12 Noon with Reverend Steven Engle, Reverend Jim Lang, and Reverend Jamie Gizzi presiding. Interment will follow in Bridgeport Cemetery.
Burnside Funeral Home, Bridgeport