Fairleigh David Small, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, Va.
David was born in Morehead City, NC to Fairleigh Alfred and Rhoda Louise Small. David graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in drama. He served in the US Army as a member of the Army Chorus. He then studied and performed Opera in Philadelphia and in Germany. After his career in music, he earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX. He then completed an internship and residency at East Carolina School of Medicine in Greenville, NC. David practiced Emergency Medicine in eastern North Carolina and southwestern Virginia for more than 25 years.
David enjoyed being outside, digging in the dirt, watching the birds, working with wood and eating oysters. He was truly the “Fellow”.
Those left to cherish his memories are his wife of 41 years, Robin Smith Small, son, Brian David Small (Cary, NC); daughter, Grace Louise Clark and husband Denver; grandson, Austin James Clark (Atlanta, GA) and the beloved Skruffy.
In order to help friends stay healthy there will not be a visitation, rather the family will hold a private memorial.
In lieu of flowers those wishing to honor David can make a donation to the Audubon society at https://act.audubon.org/a/memorial-gift, the Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy at https://www.vacreepertrail.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/ , or to Parkinson’s research via the American Parkinson Association or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Small family.
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