Retired United State Air Force pilot David E. Fruehauf (Dave), age 83, died on October 10, 2020 at his home in Lynchburg with his family by his side.

Dave was the eldest son of the late Eugene and Jean Fruehauf of Buffalo, New York. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a distinguished and highly decorated pilot flying the SR-71 Blackbird and recipient of the following awards: The Distinguished Flying Cross (2), The Air Medal (4), Meritorious Service Medal (4), just to name a few.

Later in his Air Force career, he served in numerous command roles. After retiring from 23 years of Air Force service, Dave continued his aviation career as a test pilot at Groom Lake, Nevada aka (Area 51). According to his family, Dave succeeded at everything he set his sights on.

In 1985, Dave moved to Lynchburg, which is where he dug his roots. He continued his work serving his country in the defense industry in Huntsville, commuting 100 miles each day. In 1999, he “officially” retired and then became busier than ever. First with his association in the Huntsville Botanical Society and Huntsville Fern Society where he became a Master Gardener. He then served as a Moore County Jail Museum guide. This is where Dave realized his calling as an “ambassador” for Lynchburg.

He enjoyed talking to anyone who would listen, and the farther away they lived the more time he wanted to spend with them. He never met a stranger. Rarely has there been a day that Dave would not be seen on the Lynchburg Square walking his beloved dogs, fittingly named, Whiskey, his black lab mix and most recently, Jack, his best friend over the last 10 years.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path, came away with the belief that they had just met someone special. He never stopped learning, if something peaked his interest, he did not stop until he became an authority on the subject. He then wanted to share that knowledge, with again … anyone who would listen.

Dave is survived by his wife of 25 years, Wanda Hopkins Fruehauf, sons, Eric (Wendy) Fruehauf of Lynchburg, David Fruehauf of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughters, Karen Fruehauf of Las Vegas, and Teresa (Steve) Stewart, Cynthia (Jerome) Moore both of Knoxville; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Kohl) Rogers and Scott Fruehauf both of Lynchburg, Peyton Bennett of Knoxville, Callie Moore of Knoxville, Brad (Jessica) Stewart of Knoxville, Lindsey McMillen of Knoxville, Wyatt Fruehauf and Justin Fruehauf, both of Las Vegas; brother, Paul (Diane) Fruehauf of N. Tonawanda, New York; sisters, Mary Ann Wegner of Cheektowaga, New York, and Donna (Gordy) Klein of Rochester, New York, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great grandchildren along with many more friends that can ever be named.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Dave’s name to the Friends of Animal Rescue and Adoption Center of Lynchburg, 1980 Fayetteville Highway, Lynchburg, TN 37352. •

{Editor’s Note: The Lynchburg Times publishes obituaries of Moore County residents and individuals whose immediate family live in Moore County at no cost to the family. We consider it a public service important for future genealogical research. Submit your information to [email protected].}