Obituary
Dr. Thomas W. “Pete” Fambrough, 89, died peacefully at his residence, Back Achers, in Belleview Florida on January 14, 2024 surrounded by family, friends, and his beloved dog, Max. Born February 24, 1934 to Dr. Charles and Mary Agnes Fambrough in Punta Gorda, Florida, Pete spent his childhood between Miami and Punta Gorda, FL, and Forsyth GA, moving permanently to Ocala in 1949. He graduated from Ocala High School in 1952 before attending Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, as his father had done. Upon graduation from Palmer, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army serving through 1958 and returned to Ocala to start his chiropractic practice in 1959. In 1960 he was married to Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Bagley of Ocala and had three children “the loves of his life”: Sugar Shan, Sheri Love, and Super Son.
Throughout his lifetime Pete enjoyed many trips to Ridgecrest, NC to the family’s home and the Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly. At the age of five he became interested in aviation and knew that one day he would fly planes, which he did at 16, and continued his hobby and passion for 73 years, finding aerobatics to be the most thrilling. Pete obtained numerous flight ratings, flew around the United States multiple times, to the Bahamas 100+ times, served on various aviation associations and organizations, lived on his private airstrip for 40 years, and was happy to give a plane ride to anyone who asked. He also was an ardent reader, avid and accomplished golfer, enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, bowling, and hiking. Pete believed in community service and was actively involved in the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Toastmasters International, Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts serving as a troop leader and obtaining the Silver Beaver Award, as well as his involvement in local Baptist churches throughout his life. Pete always lent a smile, an encouraging word, or a helping hand to everyone he met and was truly interested to hear others’ stories. His kindness, optimism, outgoing spirit, sense of fun and adventure, and his sparkling blue eyes will be missed by many but will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Pete is survived by his brother, James A. Fambrough (Jan) of Dahlonega, Georgia, sister, Mary Emily “Boots” Riker (Vernon) of Eustis, Florida, his three children Todd Fambrough (Linda), Shannon Phillips (Tim), and Sheri Vero (Frank) as well as 11 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
A Celebration of Life service will be held February 24, 2024 (Pete’s 90th birthday) at Back Achers, Belleview, Florida. The family will provide a link with further details.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Boy Scout Troop 113 of Weirsdale, Florida or a charity of your choice.
Your dry sense of humor and presence at the airfield will be greatly missed