David Price Foster

David Price Foster, age 96 and former resident of Bluewell, died February 9, 2023 in Spartanburg, SC. 

David was born December 23, 1926 in Chattaroy, WV, to Charles Egnew Foster and Fannie Jane Reed Foster.  His family moved to Simmons, WV in 1937 where he spent his youth.  Members of his family resided in the Bramwell area for the next 67 years.

During World War II, his six brothers all served in various branches of the military.  He left school at age 17 to enlist in the army to follow in their footsteps. Their story was prominently highlighted in local news.

He married Betty Ruth Blevins on March 25, 1948.  They moved to Bluewell, WV in 1957 where they raised their family and resided until July of 2010.

David had various jobs around Bluefield throughout his career, but spent most of his life working in the coal industry and retired as a United Mine Worker.

As a member of Bluewell United Methodist Church, he worked tirelessly to support church activities (mostly whatever Betty told him needed to be done).   He was also a member of the AF&AM Masonic Lodge #45 in Bramwell, WV. 

He spent many hours tending to his grass and shrubs, and was always proud to have the best-groomed lawn in the neighborhood.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Betty Blevins Foster, and all of his siblings, Mae (Biggs), Charles Jr. (Junior), Fred, Dick, Jim, Bill and Jack.  Other family members preceded in death include his sister-in-law and former housemate, Wayne (Juanita) Foster as well as Nancy Foster, Jack Blevins, Bill Blevins, Edith Ratliff, and Barbara Blevins.

He is survived by his daughter, Elaine Francisco, and son, Jimmy Foster, and their spouses, David Francisco and Jay Knox. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Chris Francisco and Kara Francisco.

Also surviving are many in-laws which he loved as his own family, such as Grace Blevins Conley. There are too many nieces and nephews to list, but he cared for each and every one.

David never met a stranger and delighted in making people laugh and smile.  He was well-known around Bluewell, and even knew the names of all the store employees where he shopped. Those connections were invaluable to his endless search for a bargain!  He will be remembered around his last residence, Summit Hills, for being friendly, cheerful, and always having candy for his caretakers.  David will be missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends will gather at Craven-Shires Funeral Home Friday, February 17 from 6:00-8:00PM. A graveside service will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bluewell United Methodist Church, 228 Warden Avenue, Bluefield, WV 24701.