David Michael Santi

KNOXVILLE - On February 25, 2024, David Michael Santi, a native of Memphis, TN, passed away at his home in Knoxville, TN, with his wife, Victoria, by his side. He was 81 years old.

David was born to Clement and Dale Pendergrast Santi in 1942. He grew up on a 75-acre farm on Millbranch Road in Whitehaven, TN, with his brother, Robert, and sisters, Tina and Regina. His father was the owner of the Santi Ice Cream Company and his mother managed the family’s homestead.

David went to St. Paul’s grammar school and then attended Christian Brothers High School, where he was voted “Most Handsome” by his fellow classmates. His siblings never let him live the title down, always referring to him as “Mr. Good Looks.”

Upon graduating from high school in 1960, David attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he earned his B.S. in Sociology in 1964 and met his first wife, Betty Keeling. Their marriage ended in divorce. He later married Victoria Lynn Houser, his wife of 42 years.

Despite his love for Memphis, David decided to stay in Knoxville, as he loved the small-town feeling, the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, and the beautiful lakes filled with trout. He was a birder by nature, and one of his favorite things to do was to watch the birds from his back porch and feed them.

A leading real estate agent serving the Knoxville area for over 50 years, David and Victoria owned Santi Reality for over a decade before he joined the team at REMAX Preferred Properties until his retirement in 2022. David served on the board and as president of the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors.

A devout Catholic, David was a member of both the Cathedral of Sacred Heart of Jesus and, later, All Saints Catholic Church. At both churches he served on diocesan committees and as an usher.

Known for his good sense of humor and warm disposition, people instantly took a liking to David, who was as attractive on the inside as he was on the outside. His neighbors described him as “a true gentleman,” as he took after his father’s sweet nature.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Clement Santi and Dale Pendergrast Santi, his brother, Robert Santi, and his son, Peter David Santi. He is survived by his sisters, Tina Pendergrast Santi Flaherty and Regina Dale Santi Leon, his son, Michael Keeling Santi, his nephews, Clement Santi, Robert Santi II, John Santi, and Trip Leon, as well as his niece, Dale Leon Millner, his wife, Victoria Lynn Santi, and his stepdaughter, Jessica Mott.

A celebration of life and a memorial will be held at All Saints Catholic Church in Knoxville on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 12:00PM.