David Granger Respass

David Granger Respass I, the original "Fast and Furious," passed away September 17, 2021, age 86, at Baltimore VA Medical Center in Maryland from cardiopulmonary collapse in the company of fellow veterans, veteran caregivers, and family. His son, Phillippe, and granddaughter, Sarah, were honored to be with David in his final breaths as Sarah read from Dylan Thomas' poem, "Do not go gentle into that goodnight." David was born, June 16, 1935 at the Norfolk County Hospital Virginia, to Rosen Edward Respass and Laura Gertrude Respass. David was the youngest of 4 siblings who survived infancy, 2 others who did not. His eldest siblings were Ellen Respass, Leona Respass McKinney, and Earnest Ray Respass, respectively. David lived a young and full life growing up in Portlock, Chesapeake, Virginia, enjoying crabbing, raising rabbits and working their own bicycle repair shop with his brother Ray. David eventually graduated from the school of "Street Knowledge" and one of his hobbies was street racing which lead to a wonderful tenure in the Air Force. A beloved family story, David was arrested for drag racing in 1956 and the Judge gave David the opportunity of 30 days in jail or join the military. David quickly tossed the keys to his brother and off to Air Force Basic Training David went. During basic training, it was determined that David had an affinity for Crash and Rescue (Fire Department) in the Air Force. He was thus assigned to the US Air Force 317th Installation Squadron at Évreux Airfield, an hour outside of Paris, France in October 1956. Upon reporting for duty in France, David's supervisor quickly ordered him to attain his driver's license and was thus assigned as one of the Fire Truck drivers. David quickly gained the reputation of being first to crash sites! David also established a side business in mechanical and body work repair at the Air Base Garage during his off duty hours enjoying his own 55 Porche and 56 Ford Fairlane. Some of David's more proud moments in the Air Force were assisting in the successful rescue of a downed F-86 pilot and participating in delivery of Sherman Tanks in Isreal for the UN Peacekeeping Force ending the Suez Crisis of 1956. He also assisted the French Gendarmerie (police) in a sting operation to cease and arrest illegal vehicle "chop shop" players in Paris, France. During David's stint in France, he met his lovely bride, Denise N. Pernel in Paris through the USO clubs. Quite the love story and during a time of restrictive policies against marrying foreign nationals, David finished his enlistment with the Air Force, returned to the states, then returned to Paris for Denise. They married in London, England and eventually returned to Virginia and grew their family with the birth of their sons, first, Phillippe D. Respass and 2 years later, Anthony M. Respass. David and Denise provided a great home life in Southern Virginia for their sons. David worked with his brother again for many years with Hecht construction company. David's carpentry and cabinetry skills can be found in some of the most humble and finest homes in Hampton Roads. David eventually went on to work over 20 years for the then Norshipco Shipbuilding and Drydock company later known as BAE. And later personally for one of the owners, John Roper. All the while living either in Currituck County, NC or Suffolk, VA. While David's first love story came to a close, he later married in 1989, Glenna E. Hill of Nitro, West Virginia and who was a bit of novice stock car driver herself! David was preceded in death by both the mother of his children, Denise and his West Virginia gal, Glenna. David's cheerful and caring affection will be greatly missed by his family. David's elderly parents preceded him in death as well as his elderly siblings. David is survived by his eldest son Phillippe D. Respass, and his wife, Charity D. Foster Respass, their children, Sarah E. Respass, David G. Respass II, and Levi F. Respass. David is also survived by his youngest son, Anthony M. Respass, his children, Nickolas Respass, Cherie Respass and Anthony's wife, Christina Respass. David loved his grandchildren dearly was greatly fond of his American niece and nephews and their children, and equally as fond of his French nieces and nephews as well. David had a great run. Inurnment service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, June 12, 2023 at 3pm. The family kindly requests no flowers or gifting to organizations in honor, but to simply thank a Veteran or Active Military member for their service.

David Granger Respass

June 16, 1935 - September 17, 2021