Frederick William Nesmith

Frederick “Fred” William Nesmith

Frederick W. Nesmith, age 73, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at his home in Mechanicsburg, surrounded by his loving daughter, family members and friends. He was born August 7, 1945 in Carlisle. Although they never married, he was the son of the late William Dean Mullen and Margret Nesmith. He was raised by his grandmother Edith Pearl Nesmith.

He is survived by his daughter, Erica Renee Hauze of Yorkhaven, PA; and his companion, Christine Mowery, of Mechanicsburg, PA.

A favorite quote of his from an unknown source follows; “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the size of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” He loved his daughter dearly.

A Mechanicsburg graduate of the “great” class of 1963, he attended Penn State York Campus before enlisting in the United States Air Force, November 1964. After basic training in Texas and two medical tech schools in Alabama, he served with the 3510th USAF Hospital at Randolph AFB, Texas, the 11th USAF Dispensary at U-Tapao Royal Thai AFB Thailand and the 12th USAF Hospital in the Republic of South Vietnam at Cam Rahn Bay. He was honorably discharged at McChord AFB in Tacoma, WA in late October 1968. Fred began employment with the former AMP Incorporated in March of 1969 and remained with the company until retiring in December of 2001. His career included drafting, photo-fabrication and Sales and Marketing. He received an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Harrisburg Area Community College in December of 1977, an Associate’s Degree in Environmental Technology from the Community College of the Air Force in 1991 and, in retirement, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Shippensburg University in April of 2013. In 1985, after a seventeen year service break, he enlisted in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard at Harrisburg International Airport where he served the majority of his time in the 193rd Medical Clinic as Training Manager, Environmental Health Technician and Squadron 1st Sargent, an assignment he lived 24 hours a day. He was often heard saying it was “the best job in the Air Force.” Among numerous awards and decorations he earned the Air Force Meritorious Service Award, Air Force Accommodation Medal, Unit Citation Award with Valor and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. In 2009, he was presented the Chapel of Four Chaplin’s Legion for Honor Award for his work with Veterans struggling with substance abuse. He was also an active mentor with the Dauphin County Veterans Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court. He had life memberships with the Rutherford VFW Post 1213, the Harley Owners Group and the HACC Alumni Association, as well as a member the American Legion Post 109 in Mechanicsburg. Fred experienced many things in his life. He was an avid golfer who played the game with unparalleled passion. He enjoyed playing his “snowbird” home course in Ocala Palms, Ocala, Florida, and meeting his “friends of Bill” golf buddies in Myrtle Beach on his return trips north each spring. He particularly enjoyed playing the numerous local Central Pennsylvania area golf courses and road trips with his regular golfing friends provided for by the “Souders Tour.” He was an amateur photographer and enjoyed numerous trips across country on his Harley photographing the beauty of America along the way. He also enjoyed the many trips to New York City with his daughter and friends to take in many Broadway shows or to simply explore the city. He loved old cars, in particular, his 1965 Corvette Stingray which he purchased in 1969 and owned until his passing.

All are welcome to join Fred’s family at his viewing on Monday, July 22, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant Patti Vogl officiating.  Fred’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory immediately following the service.  Burial with military honors in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, will follow the reception.

Contributions in celebration of Fred’s life can be made to Harrisburg Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Annonymous, 1251 South 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104, or to Zero Prostate Cancer, 515 King Street Suite 420, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Fred’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Fred’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.