Marvin David, 88, of Newport News, died November 21, 2025.
Marvin, son of William Rice David and Goldie Rubin David, was a loving father to Rod David and his wife, Wendy, Donna David, Jill David, and Matt David and his wife, Renee; a loving brother to E. D. “Buddy” David and his wife, Libby and Sue David Kline and her husband, Jerry. Marvin died of natural causes after several years of winning various health battles while living life on his own terms.
Marvin was a man’s man, born on the cusp of The Greatest Generation, and the stories of his early years and business exploits read like a generational anthem. In multiple books that he penned after turning 85, he chronicled a lifetime of travel, failures, lessons, and successes. And because Marvin relished the journey more than the destination, he developed meaningful relationships and created lifelong memories and instructional stories at nearly every stop along the way.
A graduate of Newport News High School in 1954, Marvin “started from nothing” financially but “got everything” he needed from the love of his core family and friends. Starting with a high school job on the railroad, he moved forward step by step, taking risks and trying new things. He was adept at taking advantage of opportunities that he encountered, as well as opportunities that he created.
After learning from various positions that taught him the ins and outs of the garment industry, in 1978, Marvin started and operated Nomad Manufacturing in Downtown Newport News for approximately 30 years. The company employed more than 250 people at its height, producing baseball caps, embroidery and printed apparel for NASCAR, the U.S. Military, unions, and large corporations like Coca-Cola as well as dozens of other top tier brand names.
Over his lifetime, he created a legacy of kinship and accomplishments that spawned from his father’s “nothing to it but to do it” attitude. All the while he never forgot his roots and counted “family first.” This was impressed upon Marvin by his parents and remained paramount throughout his life. Marvin was incredibly close to both of his siblings, and they and their families played an enormous role in his life. He loved them all dearly.
Marvin enjoyed playing golf, playing gin at the club with the boys, which he did well “if he got the cards,” consistently working out several times a week for over 5 decades, socializing with his closest friends, betting on sports games and watching TV, as well as traveling the world. He was prone to shopping for the latest hot fashions, and bringing out his casual, cool charisma was just his natural instinct.
Marvin was a devoted family man. He loved his family fiercely. He would show up and fight for them, and he would convince others to see his way, or at very least to respect his right to think differently. He would give the shirt off his back to help another, and a hallmark throughout his life was the way he made quality friends of all ages and backgrounds.
Marvin is also survived by his 5 grandchildren (Jeremy, Samantha, Cody, William, and Emma); his 2 great-grandchildren (Dash and Kai), and his 5 nephews and niece (Will, Josh, Greg, Jay, Amy, and David), all of whom he loved.
In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation in Marvin’s name to any organization that will provide help or comfort to someone who needs it. Think of Marvin and live your life to the fullest.
