David "Dave" Alan Wagner

David “Dave” Alan Wagner, age 81, of Lynchburg, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Born on October 28, 1944, in Sacramento, California, he was the son of the late Denver Perry Wagner and Lois Burns Wagner.Dave was raised in the countryside near Canton, Ohio. His early years were spent on a pig farm before the family later moved into town during his teenage years. Eventually, they settled in Lynchburg, where Dave attended E.C. Glass High School. After graduating, he chose to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He completed two tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Newport News before returning to Lynchburg to build his life.Dave began his career at Babcock and Wilcox, where he worked for many years before retiring in 2006. His retirement came at just the right time, allowing him to help care for his beloved mother before her passing in 2008.An avid outdoorsman, Dave loved hunting and fishing. He was a longtime member of the State Land Hunt Club and hunted every year throughout his adult life. He especially enjoyed trips to the Outer Banks for pier fishing and treasured the times when his granddaughter Kaylea joined him. The two shared a special bond that brought him great joy.Whether working at Babcock and Wilcox, reading, hunting, camping, spending time with friends, or helping Mary with hospitality at church, Dave enjoyed life fully. Though not a man of many words, he was known for being kind, friendly, and genuinely interested in many things. In his final days, he found comfort in the companionship of his little dog, Buddy, and in sitting peacefully on the porch. He valued his independence for as long as he could and ultimately rested with memories of a life well lived.Dave is survived by his wife, Mary C. Wagner; stepchildren, Lynda Bright and Jimmy A. Fortune Jr.; grandchildren, Christopher Thomas Wicks (Jennifer) and Kaylea Wicks Smoot (Devin); and great-grandchildren, Rosalea and Skyler Smoot.A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Living Water Ministries with Pastor Mack Almond officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the church.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Living Water Ministries, 1071 Waterlick Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.