J. Edward Fisher

Dr. J. Edward Fisher, 96, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2023, at his home in Atlanta, Georgia surrounded by his family. Edward was born on September 4, 1927, in Earlington, Kentucky. His parents were Bernice (Wyman) and Herbert Cooper Fisher. He graduated from Earlington High School, received his B.A. from Murray State College, and his M.D. from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1953. While in Nashville, Edward met his wife of 72 years, Martha Eleanor Taylor. He was a captain in the Air Force from 1954-1956, stationed in Tucson, Arizona. After completing his service, he moved to Atlanta for residency before opening a practice in obstetrics and gynecology there in 1960.

Edward dedicated himself and his time in many capacities during his professional career. He held memberships in several professional and honorary organizations such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia State OB/GYN Society, Medical Associations of Atlanta and Georgia, E.D. Colvin Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (President in 1989), and Southern Medical Association. He was on the teaching staff of the OB/GYN Residency Program as well as being Vice-Chairman of that Department. In addition to being active staff at Georgia Baptist Medical Center he was also visiting and courtesy staff at Grady Memorial, Northside, and Saint Joseph's Hospitals.

Dr. Fisher was a caring physician who viewed medicine as an expression of his Christian faith. He wrote in his Bible: "My calling is to be a Christian and the best way I can be that is to practice medicine." His patient-centered approach is attested to by the many fine tributes he received from those he cared for upon his retirement in 2005. This conviction to serve others was also evident in his church life. As an active member of church communities everywhere he lived, Edward served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and together with his wife, houseparent in a church-affiliated children's home. He also conducted church and mission center health clinics. His church families at West Manor and Mount Vernon Baptist were the source of numerous lifelong friendships.

Edward's talents and interests extended far beyond the practice of medicine. He loved camping and the outdoors; one of his proudest achievements was earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a master woodworker and even built himself a blacksmith shop. His prolific output in wood, leather, and metal is evident throughout his beloved Colonial Williamsburg-style home he and his wife designed. He was also an avid baker and cook, nurturing his sourdough starter for 30 years and cooking over the open hearth. He was generous with his knowledge and skills and enriched and inspired many lives by teaching and example.

While motivated in his professional life and dedicated to his patients, Edward was endlessly devoted to his family and made them a top priority each and every day. His commitment to being the foundation of his family was unwavering. He is survived by his wife, Martha; three children, J. Edward, Jr. (Christine), Leslye Phillips (Keith), and David; three grandchildren, Taylor, Marilyn, and Cooper; and a sister, Evelyn Spencer (Bob). He was preceded in death by sisters Laura Mae Tesseneer (Ralph) and Rebecca Jean Fesmire (Bill).

Consistent with the way he lived his life, Edward wrote of his decision to donate his body to the Emory University School of Medicine: "My choice to donate my body to Emory is a reflection of my continued desire to serve others. My entire professional career has been directed toward caring for my patients and it seems appropriate to continue this in death."

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church (850 Mount Vernon Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30327).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (https://www.mountvernon.org) or the National Kidney Foundation (https://www.kidney.org).