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AUGUSTA, Ga. - David Lee Fenstermacher, beloved husband of Sandra Ross Fenstermacher, entered into rest May 21, 2013 at Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 24, at the Church of the Good Shepherd with the Very Rev. Robert D. Fain officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Parish Hall. David was born January 29, 1944 in Vicksburg, Miss., the son of Dr. Richard Henry Fenstermacher and Kathleen McCullough Fenstermacher. He earned a B.S. degree in biology from the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and became a devoted fan of Ole Miss football. Having earned his private pilot's license while in college, David chose to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army during the buildup of the Vietnam War, and served with the First Air Cavalry as a Medical Service Corps helicopter pilot, flying wounded soldiers from the battle zone to hospital ships off the coast. In April of 1968 his helicopter came under fire on a medevac mission, and he was wounded. After medical evacuation to Japan and several surgeries, he spent long months recovering at Fort Gordon. He later was cross-trained in the CH-47 Chinook twin-rotor helicopter and flew medical coverage for the flight school at Mineral Wells, Texas. His medals included the Purple Heart, and he was medically retired at the rank of captain. Following his military service, David earned an M.B.A. degree in management from the University of Mississippi and later a master's degree in health administration from Georgia State University. He and his family then returned to Augusta where he served more than 25 years in hospital administration at University Hospital. He was a member of the American Academy of Hospital Administrators. In addition to his wife, survivors include three children: David Lee Fenstermacher, Jr. of Atlanta, Kathleen Fenstermacher Roche (Sean Michael Roche) of Houston, Texas; and Thomas Trotter Fenstermacher (Megan Harris Fenstermacher) of Charlotte, N.C.; nine grandchildren: David Lee Fenstermacher III, William Redmond Fenstermacher, Henry Francis Roche, Lucy Katherine Roche, Anne Ross Roche, May Barrett Roche, Evelyn Grace Fenstermacher, Jackson Harris Fenstermacher and Charlie Alexander Fenstermacher; two stepsisters: Nancy L. Shaw (Terry Shaw) of Ackworth, Ga., and Mary Ann McMullen (Albert McMullen) of Hattiesburg, Miss.; a niece, Melissa Ragan Lessley (Johnny Lessley) of Memphis, Tenn.; and nephew Richard Fenstermacher Ragan (Marsella) of Tanzania. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Henry Fenstermacher, Jr. David was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, where he served on the vestry and was treasurer for many years. He was a member of the Exchange Club of Augusta and the Augusta Country Club. He was a history buff and supporter of Historic Augusta and the Augusta Richmond County Historical Society. He loved spending time outdoors. His idea of a perfect day would be to load the family into the old green jeep and spend the afternoon canoeing, followed by an evening of barbecue, beer and classic blues music. Friends will remember his dry wit, easy laugh, and genuine, kind and compassionate nature. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, 2230Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904; the CSRA Parkinson Support Group, c/o Treasurer, 116 Lottie Lane, Grovetown, GA 30813; or the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, 1101 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30901.
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Sandra and family--So sorry to learn of David's death. I have told the story of my time with him in the Ft. Gordon hospital, too many times. Special memories of "Fenstie"--Wallace McMillan
May 31, 2013
My prayers and love are with you at this difficult time. You did such a wonderful job of support for your special mat.
Maxine Melcher
May 29, 2013
Sandra,
We are so sorry for your loss. David was such a good and fun person. Although many years have passed since attending Ole Miss together and later visiting David while we were both at Ft. Gordon, we still reflect fondly on the good memories we have of both of you. Our thougths and prayers are with you and your family.
David and Keren Wells
May 24, 2013
Sandra and family, so sad to hear of David's passing but know he is with our Savior and out riding in his canoe with buddies, maybe even visiting with Alice and Guy T... So many memories ... in our thoughts and prayers... The Dobbs .. John and Ginger,Johnny and Paige,Matt and Erin
Ginger Dobbs
May 24, 2013
Sandra & family - You have our sympathy and understanding; you've been in our thoughts and hearts this whole experience. Your friends at CSRA Parkinson Support Group
May 24, 2013
Sandra and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I consider it a privilege to have known and worked with David at University Hospital.
Judy Redd
May 23, 2013
Sandra -
My love and prayers are with you...May your husband's soul rest in peace; may his memory be eternal.
Ben and Alex McClain
May 23, 2013
Sandra: David was a great friend. We all had a close college group with a lot of fun. I'm thinking of him, Paul and John. You are n our prayers and will see you n Vicksburg. He was the best.
Charlie Swayze
May 23, 2013
Many fond memories with David at Ole Miss. So sorry to lose him. Love to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cary and Pam Cocke
May 23, 2013
Sandra and family, Please know that I'm thinking of you at this sad time. Growing up with David was fun and I'll always remember his humor and what a really good person he was. Love, Keith Bush Gammon
May 23, 2013
SO very,very sorry about the loss of DAVID -- a splendid fellow in every respect. I'll be thinking of him especially this MEMORIAL DAY. My having served in a combat unit in VIETNAM when he did, I know all too well that no one rendered greater service in VIETNAM than those who flew medevac missions. May God bless and keep DAVID and those he loved.
Rees Barksdale
May 23, 2013
Sandra and family, Mel and i's hearts go out to you at the loss. david has had a struggle and we welcome his rest in God's loving arms.
Tommy and Mel Ford
May 23, 2013
SANDRA WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. WHAT A DEVOTED SPOUSE YOU HAVE BEEN ALL THESE YEARS.YOU ARE TO BE COMMENDED.
JACK DENTON
May 23, 2013
Dearest Sandra, I love that picture of David. That is just how I will always remember him with that sweet smile. Love and prayers to all your family. Jo Claire
Jo Claire Swayze
May 23, 2013
Sandra,
So sorry to learn of David's passing. He was one of my favortie frat brothers and co Vietnam vet. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kenny Milam
May 23, 2013
Sandra: So sorry to hear about David. We talk often about the great visit we had when you dropped by several years ago. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Peggy and Bernie
Bernie and Peggy Smith
May 23, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. We go back many years to Westchester Apartments. Great memories! Great guy! God strength and protect you. Dot Dunstan Mooney
May 23, 2013
Sandra, David, Kathleen, and Thomas,
I have wonderful memories of all of you and Big David from our visits over the years. I remember Big David as someone who always teased us and made us laugh. I know you all have many memories to comfort you now and in the coming years, but I just wanted you to know that Big David occupies an important place in the memories of my childhood as a loving father to you all and a wonderful person.
Love, many prayers, and much peace for all of you,
Sharon, Mike, & Kathleen
Sharon Augustine
May 22, 2013
Sandra and family, I want to tell you how sorry we are to hear of David's passing. As one of our "Rebel" cousins who used to come North in the summers to visit his "Yankee" cousins, David left behind a trail of stories that would fill a book. I shall miss him even though the years have been many since we last sat together. I know that God's love will keep him until we all meet again.
Robert McCullough
May 22, 2013
My thoughts and payers are with you, Sandra, and family during this difficult time. David is with the Lord now and is at peace.
Louise Taylor
May 22, 2013
Kathleen, I am thinking about you and your family today. Your Dad was such a loving, funny, quick witted wonderful family man. You have such an amazing family and I feel lucky to have been around such a special people!
Ashley Prudames
May 22, 2013
Sending our sincerest condolences to The Fenstermacher Family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
The Stewart Family
May 22, 2013
Hi David,
So sorry for your family's loss. Thinking of y'all.
Kate Hanley
May 22, 2013
Sandra and family, You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Hope your wonderful memories and God's blessings help you through this most difficult time, Love, Pat
Dr. Patricia Palmer Monk
May 22, 2013
Sandra, David, Kathleen and Thomas,
I have such wonderful and fond memories of Big David, and all of you from the time we were neighbors at Westchester Apts back in the early 1970s. I fell in love with all of you way back then, and have never forgotten all of the great times we've had together. I've always admired David for his love and devotion to his wife and children! His, was a life well lived ! You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad time. May God bless and comfort you in the days ahead.
Love Always,
Nancy
Nancy Harrison-Watson
May 22, 2013
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