David Gregory Schenck

David Gregory Schenck, 64 of Earlysville, Virginia passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at UVA Hospital with his loving family by his side. Dave was a native of Newport News, Virginia, born on December 21, 1960 to the late Bobby Gene Schenck and Nancy Garrett Schenck. In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his sister Patty Gonzalez and his brother Doug Mallory.

After graduating from both Chowan College and UNC Wilmington, in 1985 Dave went on to have a very successful career for the United States Postal Service where he worked for many years as Postmaster in multiple offices in Virginia. After Dave retired from the Postal Service he enjoyed several years of part time employment with KW Construction.

Dave was an active member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Earlysville. Serving as a deacon and was a member of The Real World Adult Formation Class. Dave participated in several mission trips and participated in many different service opportunities. He was also known for his smoked whole hog barbeque and smoked chicken to feed the congregation and community during special events.

Dave lived a life full of fun and adventure. He was in his element and happy place when his big red cooker was full of some type of smoked meat and he was surrounded by friends and family. Cooking delicious food and serving others always brought a smile to his face. Dave was also a “Jack of all trades” and always knew a little bit about everything. His college friends used to say that Dave could fix anything as long as he had a roll of duct tape. He was also a self-taught mechanic and saved our family lots of money through the years managing both minor and major car repairs. Dave learned to hunt from his father Bobby and he passed along this knowledge and love to his boys and grandson Austin. Dave enjoyed hunting and got to travel for several years out west to Walla Walla Washington with friends. As Dave got older he enjoyed just being outside in nature and spent more time just being present and watching the wildlife and less time actually hunting.

During his college years Dave spent a lot of time sailing and scuba diving. He loved to be out on the water and has spent many days and nights out on the boat fishing with his best friend Tim. He was an excellent swimmer and was known by all of his family for his crazy antics in the water.

Dave has owned multiple motorcycles throughout his lifetime. Being on the bike was truly one of his favorite past times. Slowly navigating the back roads with the wind in his face and his Spotify playlist is where he found peace. He and his wife Paula enjoyed riding together and visiting small towns and just seeing where the road would take them. In 2019, Dave had the opportunity to fulfill one of his bucket list items and to travel across the country on his bike with his friend Dave Parker. They called themselves the Double D’s and also helped raise awareness for soldier suicide along the way. Dave put 5,116 miles on his bike during this adventure and had the time of his life.

Most people knew about Dave’s love of good bourbon. But if you didn’t know he would be glad to tell you about it. Nothing made him happier than to share a glass of good whiskey or bourbon with a friend. Early on he was known for his love of Jack Daniels poured neat, long before drinking bourbon was cool. Later in life his palette evolved to a more complex appreciation of different bourbons. He was a collector and always said it was his retirement plan so that when he was old and no one would take him to the liquor store he would have his own collection to choose from. He enjoyed showing anyone who inquired his vast collection and would convince you to try multiple ones before you left.

Dave was best known for the love of his family. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved them deeply and expressed that love in so many beautiful ways. The hole he leaves behind is deep and wide. Dave was a friend to many people and would do anything to help if asked. He loved opening his home to friends and family and will be greatly missed by all.

Dave leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving and supportive wife of 34 years, Paula Shotwell Schenck, three sons, Austin Zimmerman, Sr. (Jamie), Tyler Zimmerman (Kalie), and Benton Schenck, one daughter, Davey Leigh Schenck, and four grandchildren, Abigail, Austin Jr, Ava, and Duke Zimmerman, brother, Bobby Schenck (Jenn) and sisters, Angela Caravana (Mike) and Pam Mallory, multiple nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him greatly.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Earlysville, Virginia with Pastor Lance King presiding. Immediately following the service, Dave will be laid to rest in the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Dr. Bob Brizendine presiding. Lunch will be shared in the upper room at the church following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s honor to the following:

HOWS PROJECT (Houses of Wood and Straw) project is a volunteer based nonprofit organization, working to improve the lives and well-being of outside dogs in Charlottesville and surrounding counties. 100 percent of money collected for HOWS Project is used in some way to positively impact the animals in need in our area. You can make a donation online at housesofwoodandstraw.org or if you wish to send a check donation please use the following address.

HOWS Project

PO Box 7058

Charlottesville, Virginia 22906