David Schaffer

We are sad to announce the passing of David Melvin Schaffer of Knoxville, TN. He died at age 73 on June 5, 2023. Dave passed away surrounded by his loved ones after a battle with heart disease. He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Doris Schaffer. He leaves behind his wife of 32 years Delora Cook, children Delany and Robert Schaffer, sister Barbara (and husband Jim) Fraley and his beloved little dog Penny. He lived a full life. He started at the University of Tennessee for a degree in music and played trumpet in the Pride of Southland Marching Band. He decided to enlist in the United States Navy as a Submariner in 1970. He served for 8 years before being honorably discharged in 1978. He went back to the University of Tennessee and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1984. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, he worked as a mechanical engineer in nuclear programs at the Tennessee Valley Authority, Bechtel Savannah River, Bechtel Oak Ridge, and various contractors working on the Oak Ridge Y-12 National Security Complex. He was currently working with CS Engineering as a consultant. He was part of the St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church Choir, Aiken Community band and the Swingsations for years while living in Aiken, SC. One of his favorite hobbies was drag racing Mopars, which he participated in for most of his life. He loved to bowl and was involved in multiple bowling leagues. He was an avid science fiction reader who loved puns and dry humor. He was a beloved husband and father who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.