Samuel Etheredge Jr.

Samuel Norfleet Etheredge Jr. Jan. 31, 1914 in Norfolk, Va. June 17, 2011 in Orinda, Ca. The family celebrates the richness of 97 years well lived, by a man full of integrity, love and loyalty to his family and his country. Sam ("Junie") grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. He chose to follow his grandfather's footsteps and become a doctor, attending William and Mary College, followed by graduating from the University of Virginia Medical School in 1937. He completed his medical training in Virginia, West Virginia and Seattle where he met and married the love of his life and wife of 44 years, Ruth Steenstrup ("Steenie"). During WW II Sam joined the Navy, serving with the Marines in the South Pacific and earning a Bronze Star for bravery. Following the war, Sam and Ruth settled in the Bay Area where Sam started his medical career as an innovative, gentlemanly vascular surgeon on "Pill Hill" in Oakland, California. Among his accomplishments was the first resection of a supra-renal aortic aneurysm in history. He served as president of several surgical organizations and hospital medical staffs. He practiced until the age of 75. Together with Ruth he raised his family of four in the Piedmont community, offering hospitality to all who entered their home. After Ruth's untimely passing, he married a long time friend from North Carolina, Mary Bundy and had another fulfilling marriage of 24 years. He is survived by his second wife, Mary Bundy Etheredge, now residing in Greenville, North Carolina and his 4 children, Suzanne Ramseyer (and Bill) of Santa Rosa, CA; Stephen Etheredge (and Rhondda) of Lafayette, CA; Robert Etheredge (and Cheri) of Orinda, CA; and Patricia Frankland (and David) of Bainbridge Island, WA. He is also remembered fondly by his 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. A Celebration of his life will be at Piedmont Community Church on Sunday, June 26th at 2 pm in the afternoon followed by a reception at the church. Come join us as we celebrate, Sam's passing from this life to life eternal. Donations can be made to UVa Medical School Foundation, PO Box 800776, Charlottesville, VA, 22908 in his Memory.