David G. Carney

David G. Carney, 78, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on March 8, 2026. Born on July 8, 1947, to George and Behula (Brown) Carney in Moran, Kansas, he grew up with modest beginnings on a farm in Mildred, Kansas, without running water or electricity. His family later moved through Colorado Springs, Topeka, Kansas, Minot, North Dakota, and Glasgow, Montana. David graduated from Topeka High School in 1965, where he lettered in wrestling and track and played trombone in the band and orchestra. He attended William Jewell College for two years before transferring to the University of Kansas, graduating first in his class in 1969 with a degree in accounting.

In 1967, David joined the U.S. Navy as a 90-Day Wonder during the Vietnam War. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Maxwell, in 1968. Upon graduation, he entered the Navy Supply Corps, serving aboard the submarine USS Daniel Boone, where he earned his dolphins. His 29-year naval career took him and his family to Charleston, South Carolina; Athens, Georgia (twice); Dunoon, Scotland; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Herndon, Virginia; Virginia Beach; East Lyme, Connecticut; Newport, Rhode Island; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; and back to Virginia Beach. During his service, he earned master’s degrees from the University of Georgia (where he also became a CPA), the University of Michigan, the Naval War College, and Salve Regina College. He retired as a Captain (O-6) and Commander of COMSUBLANT Supply. In civilian life, he served as Director of Submarine Repair at Newport News Shipbuilding and later taught accounting as an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University for over a decade.

David found his greatest joy in helping others and building relationships. An Eagle Scout, he went on to lead Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy Scouts, guiding many young men toward their own Eagle Scout rank. In the Navy, he invested deeply in the professional growth of his enlisted personnel and junior officers, including creating a program that sent Navy cooks to culinary school to elevate food service standards. A man of quiet faith, he briefly served as a Lay Preacher for the American Baptist Church and held multiple roles in local churches throughout his life. He was a devoted follower of college sports, particularly those connected to the schools he and his family attended, and his conversations were known for their warmth, humor, and good-natured banter.

Above all, David was the steadfast champion and provider for his family. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 58 years, Patricia; his daughter, Amy Bevins (Robert), of Bonaire Island; his son, Patrick, of Virginia Beach; grandchildren David and Elizabeth Bevins; his sister, Virginia Sachs (John), of Columbia City, Oregon; brother-in-law Bob Maxwell (Nanette) of Kansas City, Missouri; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children.