Dr. Daniel Thomas Fetzer, Ph.D.

Dr. Daniel Thomas Fetzer, Ph.D., age 62, of Oak Ridge, TN, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2017 after an extended illness.    

A native of Elizabethton, TN, he was the son of John W. Fetzer, Sr. and Helen Fetzer.  He was a graduate of Elizabethton High School and East Tennessee State University.  He received his doctorate in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

His distinguished career of 36 years of computer science work included ORAU, Y-12, SAIC and ORNL.  His work as a keyboard musician included bands, Good Earth, Funk and Co., Pedestrians, Indigo Spring and Free Spirit.  He played trombone in jazz bands at ETSU and became an accomplished pianist. 

He was preceded in death by his father, John W. Fetzer, Sr. and his brother, Dr. John W. Fetzer, Jr., MD.

Survivors include his loving wife of 30 years, Beth; child, Ellie M. Fetzer; mother, Helen Fetzer of Elizabethton; sister, Marie (Bob) Bryant of Ocoee, TN; brother, Robert H. Fetzer of Roanoke, VA; sister-in-law, Rose Ann Fetzer of Jefferson City, TN; aunt, Nadine Underwood of Clinton, TN; parents-in-law, Scott and Mary Futral of Athens, TN brother-in-law, Scott (Linda) Futral of Livermore, CA; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge, TN.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. followed by a reception.  There will be a private graveside service at a later date.

His family is deeply grateful to caregivers, Dean and Marie Howard; and the staffs of:  Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, Hanna and Associates, UT Home Palliative Hospice, Gentiva Home Health and Best Homecare.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be give to:  Angels Among Us at angelsamongus.org (checks payable to:  Duke University – 17BT and mail to Tisch Brain Tumor Center-Angels, DUMC Box 3624, Durham, NC  27710) or to Caring House, Inc., 2625 Pickett Road, Durham, NC  27705.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Fetzer family guest book at www.higginsfuneral.com.

This announcement is made courtesy of Higgins Funeral Home of Benton, TN.