David Fenstermacher

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.