Altizer, David Bryan
David Bryan Altizer, age 66, of Kimballton, Virginia, passed away on May 7, 2024 after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on July 28, 1957, in Panama City, Florida to the late David Gene Altizer and Martha Tate Altizer.
From a young age, Bryan was affectionately nicknamed “Sheriff,” a nickname that foreshadowed his distinguished career in law enforcement and came to define the essence of his character. His journey began with the Blacksburg Police Department and led him to become the Duputy Sheriff of Giles County. His commitment to service continued as he became a Federal Law Enforcement Officer with the US Forest Service, culminating in his ultimate role as the Sheriff of Giles County. Even after retiring from public service, Bryan, still fondly referred to as “Sheriff” by those who knew him, led security at Gatorade and RK Environmental Services in Westwood, NJ.
In his personal life, Bryan was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 47 years, Donna Rogers Altizer, his sons, Jon Altizer-Bieger (Geoff), David Matthew Altizer (Eli); and four grandchildren, Audrey, Clyne, Nathaniel, and Colleen. He is also survived by his mother, Martha Tate Altizer; his sister, Anna Altizer; his sister-in-law and husband, Elizabeth Rogers Harrison and Roland; beloved nieces and cousins; and a wide circle of family and friends.
Bryan attended Narrows High School, Class of 1975, and pursued higher education at Hiwassee College and Virginia Tech. He was a member of Big Stoney United Methodist Church.
Bryan was a man of strong faith and it was that faith that allowed him to face his illness with dignity and grace. He doubled the time expected with his diagnosis with determination and grit and by the countless prayers offered by so many friends and strangers. The family would like to offer heartfelt thanks to his caring, compassionate oncologists, Dr. Heather Brooks and Amy Butler and the amazing staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care and other specialists that treated him, particularly Dr. Brian Tully. Bryan was lovingly attended by Good Samaritan Hospice the last week of his life and the family is eternally grateful for the amazing care provided.
Outside of his professional life, Bryan enjoyed being a cattle farmer, continuing the legacy of Donna’s Uncle Fred. One of his favorite activities was sitting on his porch enjoying the beauty surrounding him over the years with his beloved pet dogs Bull, Winchester, and most recently Remington. “Porch sitting” was especially important when his illness prevented him from doing the things he loved.
Those wishing to honor his memory may make contributions to Good Samaritan Hospice, 4751 Cove Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24017.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, with visitation from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM and a memorial service immediately following on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home in Pembroke, Virginia. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Altizer family.