William Pfitzer
William Allen “Bill” Pfitzer died on December 27, 2014 after a long struggle with cancer.
Bill was born in Chattanooga, on May 14, 1954, to the late Edwin and Dorothea (nee Justice) Pfitzer. He was married first to Katye Kelly in 1979 and second to Anita Alston in 1998. He lived in Benton City, Wa., Decatur and Huntsville, Al., prior to returning to Chattanooga in 2012.
Bill attended Lutheran School in Chattanooga, graduated from Tyner High School in 1972, and he attended UTC, Middle Tennessee State University and later completed a bachelor’s degree in physics. He enlisted in the Army and was honorably discharged after two years. He was employed in the nuclear industry at Browns Ferry Alabama and later at the Hanford site in Washington. In 2001 he returned to Alabama and for seven years worked at APT Research Corporation in Huntsville.
Bill was an athlete who earned a walk-on cross country scholarship at UTC, competed in Chattanooga Track Club events, winning the Signal Mountain Road Race in 1978, as well as the inaugural East Ridge Biathlon in the mid-80s. He also ran the Boston Marathon in 1978, and won awards in the Peachtree and other road races as well as numerous biathlons and triathlons throughout the southeast. Later in life he excelled in golf, winning the club championship in 2007 at his favorite course, Fox Run, in Huntsville.
Bill was a reader and a collector of books; he was an expert woodworking craftsman who made many pieces of fine handmade furniture many of which he gifted to his siblings, nieces and nephews.
An adventurous spirit and an avid fisherman, Bill loved to explore out of the way creeks, lakes and ponds for the best fishing sites, and then caught the fish with skill. He made many fishing, camping and rafting trips with his brother, son, daughter, and nephews.
He loved family gatherings and being with his nieces and nephews; playing his guitar was a frequent pastime. He often told well-worn family stories, his tales becoming more dramatic and more hilarious with every re-telling.
He is survived by his son, Ross Allen Pfitzer; grandson, Benjamin Pfitzer; his daughter, Kate Lechler; his sisters, Barbara Pfitzer Hutsell (David Stutz) and Judy Pfitzer Wurm (David); his brother, Tom Pfitzer; nine nieces and nephews, Faith Wurm Akin, Sheryl Wurm Schulze, Paul Wurm, Joel Hutsell, Amy Hutsell Kiefer, Christopher Pfitzer, Tim Pfitzer, Scott Pfitzer, Catherine Pfitzer; step-son, Brandon Wallcot; step-daughter, Kara Wallcot ; life-long friend, John Holland; and a large extended family including 14 great-nieces and great-nephews who remember “Uncle Bill” with affection.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road.
A remembrance celebration and family gathering will follow at the home of David and Judy Wurm, (Spirit of Joy Fellowship), 904 Harris Lane, Chattanooga.
The family extends thanks to the staff at East Ridge Lifecare and appreciates their care for our beloved brother in his final days.
Please shoare your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.