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David Kettler Obituary
David Allen Kettler, 66, of Gainesville, Georgia, died Friday, November 20, 2009, in Cumming, Georgia.
Dr. Kettler was a globally recognized executive. He served as the BellSouth Vice President in charge of the Science and Technology organization and Chief Architect for the BellSouth Network until his retirement. Prior to BellSouth, Dr. Kettler spent over 15 years at AT&T Bell Laboratories and in Strategic Planning at the AT&T Corporate Headquarters. After his retirement from BellSouth he served a few years as Managing Director and General Partner of H.I.G. Capital Management. He has served on public and private company boards of directors. He earned his BEE, MSEE, and Ph.D.EE from the University of Virginia and served on the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Board of Trustees and as Chairman of the ECE Industrial Advisory Board. He actively contributed to Computer Science and Telecommunications Board Committee Reports on the Internet and Broadband. He also served on the College of Computing Advisory Board of Georgia Institute of Technology and numerous research and economic development steering committees. He proactively engaged university/industry activities, led numerous consortia projects and facilitated the technology transfer from research laboratories toward commercialization. Dr. Kettler was an IEEE Fellow.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura; a son, Jeffrey A. Kettler; and granddaughter, Sarah. A. Kettler of Suwanee, Georgia; brothers and sisters, Irvin G. Kettler Jr. of Victoryville, California, Victoria L. Hyer of White Marsh, Maryland, Thomas E. Kettler of Essex, Maryland, Kathy L. Kettler of Baltimore, Maryland, Cindy L. Gardener of Waldorf, Maryland and Debbie J. Raith of Essex, Maryland.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on 11 a.m. Saturday, December 5, 2009, at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations toward pancreatic cancer research be made to TGen Foundation, One Arizona Center, 400 East Van Burenn Street, Suite 850, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Byars Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Cumming, Georgia, will be in charge of the arrangements, 678-455-5815.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jacqueline & Akinwale Akinpelu
December 5, 2021
David is forever in our hearts. You may be gone from our sights but you are never gone from our hearts. May the winds of heaven blow softly and whisper in your ears.
He was a great friend and a fantastic mentor to me and my wife at Bell Labs. We love you and will always love you!!!
October 29, 2010
To the family of David Kettler - We knew David when he was a young man growing up. We became very close friends and David served as a groomsman in our wedding, 51 years ago. He was a favorite of my father, George Koyne, who encouraged young Dave in his studies. He was a fun loving, but very bright young man. I could not believe when I Googled his name to learn that he had passed away. I'll always remember him and the good times my husband and I shared with him. I am terribly sorry for your loss. He was a special individual. Lillian Pfeifer and her husband, John from Chase, Md.
David Kettler
May 1, 2010
Dear Mrs. Kettler.
Accept my sympathies. My only connection with your distinguished late husband was the accident of sharing the same name and wondering about him whenever I had occasion to search for items relating to myself, as academic authors will do. We cannot possibly be related because my surname was an improvisation on my actual family name, invented by relatives when my parents arrived in the US as refugees in 1940.
In any case, I am very sorry for your loss.
Robert Lindefjeld
December 13, 2009
Jeff, I am very sad to hear of the death of your father. -- Rob Lindefjeld (Rumson-Fair Haven HS '82) ([email protected]).
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Jackie Akinpelu
December 5, 2009
Laura and Family,
We were saddened to hear about Dave’s death. We have lost a great friend who has stood with us through so many important events in our lives. He has been a mentor to Jackie, helping her to get off to an excellent professional start and establish a solid technical foundation that has stood her in good stead through a career of 29 years. Dave and you have been there for our wedding and the birth of our two sons. Dave provided recommendations when we were making career transitions after leaving AT&T. He was instrumental in helping our son Adeyinka get admission to Georgia Tech. We have had the pleasure of being a part of your lives as well, attending the wedding of your son Jeff.
We are so sad that we will never have another opportunity to hear Dave’s encouraging words or his warm laughter. We feel your loss, because it is our loss as well. Please know that we are friends that stand ready to help you in any way that we can.
Jackie and Wale
December 3, 2009
Laura,
The Rumson Hash Harriers were sadden to hear of Dave's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sincerly,
Steve Stover (Sven)
December 2, 2009
Laura
We are so sad to hear about the passing of Dave are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Please let us know if you need any help in Blue Ridge
Todd,Connie and Taylor Boring
Miami Fl./Blue ridge GA
Barbara and Eddie Chapman
December 1, 2009
Laura,
I know that you have received my email by now, but just wanted to say again that unless there had not been a problem with a family situation, we would have been there with you. We loved Dave very much, as we do you. The world has lost someone who made huge contributions in his profession. His passing will leave a void in many private lives and certainly in the professional world. Even though we will not be there with you on Saturday, know that our thoughts and our love will be.
Remember us to Jeff, Sandy and Sarah. We love you.
Love,
Barbara and Eddie Chapman
LES KENNEDY
December 1, 2009
LAURA, WE ARE SORRY WE CAN'T ATTEND DAVE'S MEMORIAL SERVICE ON SATURDAY. WE WOULD LOVE TO BE WITH YOUR FAMILY. YOU WILL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.
LOVE, SHIRLEY AND LES KENNEDY
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