David M. McWilliams

DAVID M. McWILLIAMS

   On the morning of Saturday, July 1^st, 2017, David Martin McWilliams of Canton passed away quietly at his residence.  He was 62 years of age.   Born November 4^th, 1954 in Troy he was the son of Robert H. and Jean (Machmer) McWilliams.   Throughout his working life Dave was a teacher of Special Education, and more recently Alternative Education, in Canton, Woodbridge Va. And Towanda.  His remarkable  career   spanned four decades and was about to enter its forty-first year of service.   Dave was an avid hunter and trapper.  He had a great love for the outdoors, especially Armenia Mountain  where he was raised.  Each day he would walk from his home just north of Canton to Lamb’s Lookout and back.  He also was a great lover of sports and coached basketball in Canton, Woodbridge,Va., and Towanda.    Dave was married to the former Sandy Seelye  and together they raised two sons and celebrated 39 years together  June 17^th  of this year.  Dave’s  positive impact on young people extended beyond those in his classroom.  He had a knack for connecting with people of all ages, and a generous heart for helping those less fortunate.  Over the years he and Sandy opened their home to  many  people in need, a personification of St. Matthew 25: 34-40.

   Dave is survived by his wife, Sandy, at home, sons Derek (& Katie) McWilliams of Culpepper Va., and Joshua McWilliams of Canton, nephew Chris (& Sonji) Wallace and great nieces Hanna and Jordan,  and nephew Scott (& Brittany) Seelye Jr., niece Lauren (& Josh) Dennis and great niece Essie, nieces Caitlin Seelye, Emily Seelye and nephew Ryan Seelye, brother-in-law Scott (& Cherie) Seelye, Sr. , Uncle Paul Machmer, sr., numerous cousins, friends who knew him through school and hunting, and the many students whose lives he touched.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jean McWilliams, brother Robert  McWilliams, sisters Moureen McWilliams and Donna Wallace. 

   Calling hours will be 4 to 7 PM Thursday, July 6^th, at Morse and Kleese Funeral Home, 94 N. Center Street, Canton, with a celebration of Dave’s life to follow at 7 PM.     Interment will be private. (morseandkleesefuneralhome.com)

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