David Joseph Wiza

David Joseph Wiza – 84 Of Valdosta, GA passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at South Georgia Medical Center. He was born on May 8, 1930 in Posen, Michigan to the late Joseph and Anna Klimaszewski Wiza. He served his country in the United States Navy for over 32 years as a flight engineer in the P-3 Orion antisubmarine warfare aircraft and was stationed all over the country and world including Naval Air Stations in Jacksonville, Florida; San Jose, California; Brunswick, Maine and Lisbon, Portugal. He survived three aircraft accidents during his flying career. His final tour of duty was with VXE-6 flying out of Point Mugu, California and Christchurch, New Zealand providing support for the National Science Foundation's Antarctic research station at the South Pole. He participated in the Berlin airlift, Cuban Missile Crisis, and served in Vietnam, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1982. David was an accomplished dancer and ballroom dance instructor, winning many awards and regional dance competitions. He taught dance classes everywhere he lived including Valdosta, at VSU, the YMCA, and the senior citizens center. After retiring from the Navy, he was an accountant and professional photographer, and served several terms as the Township Supervisor for Krakow, Michigan, township. He was an active member of the Valdosta senior citizens community, a member of the VFW, and extremely active in many local volunteer organizations. Survivors include his Sons & Daughters-in-Law, David C. & Kathy Wiza of Beaverton, OR, Scott & Faith Wiza of Valdosta, GA; 5 Grandchildren, April Wiza, D.J. Wiza, Chris Wiza, Alex Wiza and Chelsea Wiza 3 Great Grandchildren, Auncia Wiza, Lucas Wiza and Laci Wiza David was the youngest of 11 children, and is survived by his brother Arthur Wiza, and sisters Stella Lanning, Dorothy Sherill, and Irene Weide. He was preceded in death by his sisters Theresa Zott, Gloria Cadreau, Lillian Ross, Esther Ivanka, Helen Meeks, and Maryanne Wiza. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, September 25, 2014 in the Valdosta Chapel of Music Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers please bring a few favorite photographs of David to help commemorate his life, or make a donation to cancer research. Sympathy may be expressed online at