Dr. Elmer Orva Fisher Jr.

It is with profound sadness to announce that Dr. Elmer Orva Fisher, Jr. passed away at the age of 91 on March 31st in Las Vegas, Nevada, just hours away from his 92nd birthday. Born April 1, 1931 in Charleston, West Virginia, Elmer grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Fisher was a resident of Yorktown (Tabb) Va. and lived at “Molar Manor” for 50 years before moving to Las Vegas to live near his daughter Ann and her family.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife of close to 70 years, Gloria Graham Fisher and son Elmer (Trey) Orva Fisher III. He was the son of the late Elmer Orva Fisher and Lenora Amelia Fisher, son in law of the late John Benjamin Graham and Helen Forrest Graham, and brother to the late Avis Peters, Eloise Lutz and Mary Ann Gaff.

He was raised in Fort Lauderdale and was a standout All State, third leading scorer basketball player for the Fort Lauderdale High School “Flying L’s.” He was also on the All State track relay team. Prior to his college years he was an Air Force Policeman stationed at Langley Air Force Base where in 1951 he met the love of his life, Gloria Graham from Poquoson, and married her April 14, 1951. Dr. Fisher was also a Korean War Veteran and spent 18 months in Japan as a newlywed. After serving in the Air Force, he attended the University of Florida, and graduated from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry in 1960. He was an extremely proud graduate of both schools as well as a devoted alumnus. Dr Fisher was a well respected Dentist in Hampton and Tabb for 40 years, and an original founding partner of Fisher, Godby, Allen & Associates (1960-1978) and as a private practice dentist from 1978-2000.

Dr. Fisher was very active in dental organizations. He served as President of the Virginia Dental Association, Peninsula Dental Society, and the Virginia Academy of General Dentistry. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Delegate to the National Conventions, member of both the American and International College of Dentists, and the Virginia Dental Society for Children.

He was an esteemed civic leader and involved in numerous organizations, serving as Chairman of the York County School Board and served for eight years, the first Chairman of the York County Industrial Authority, Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America (Central District) and Chairman of the Peninsula United Fund - Dental Division.

He was a member of the original organizing committee for the Virginia Duals Wrestling Tournament and was their second Director. He served as President of the Peninsula Sports Club, York County Youth Football League, York Exchange Club, board member of the York County YMCA, and co-founder of the Tabb High School Athletic Booster Club where he served as their first President and life long member. Dr. Fisher was also member of the Mercury 64 Kiwanis Club and was named Kiwanian of the Year, was Chancellor Commander and member of the Poquoson Knights of Pythias, member and served on the Executive and Advisory Boards of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Girl Scouts of America. He was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (Grafton) and Trinity United Methodist in Poquoson.

He had a zest for life that was immeasurable. He loved life and cherished family traditions, enjoyed global travel, vacationing at the family chalet in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, and numerous road trips to Florida, West Virginia, New England, and more. The very best of times were spent at his second home in Nags Head, NC. Over forty years of family beach vacations, weekend get togethers, even a Thanksgiving or Easter or two were spent there. Elmer’s grandchildren grew up on the beaches of Nagshead.

Dr. Fisher was a life long avid coin collector, a die hard Washington Redskins and Florida Gators fan, and enjoyed working in his garden. He also enjoyed a good bourbon and water and chewing on a cheap cigar, and an even better cowboy movie. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed several cross-country hunting trips with his brother in laws and close friends. His last years at Oakmont were spent playing bingo, black jack, enjoying music and dining with his close friends Jack, Susan and John. With his infectious smile, Elmer was a fun loving, teasing jokester who was also a tender hearted, kind and gentle soul, and always exuded positivity.

Dr. Fisher is survived by his three daughters, six grandchildren and one great grandson. Cynthia Fisher Marshall and her daughter Lea Wilmouth, Tina Fisher Browder (Michael) and their son Travis Browder, Ann Fisher Sachs (Roger) and their sons Parker and Peyton Sachs, daughters of Elmer’s late son Trey - Mary Paige and Ashton Fisher, and great grandson Maverick James Wilmouth. He is also survived by his beloved brothers and sisters in law, John B. Graham, Jr., Margaret Fluharty, Felton Graham (Patricia) and Helene Hogan, as well as many nieces, nephews and loyal friends.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his adoring three daughters and grandchildren. We wish to send a special thank you to the staff at Oakmont of the Lakes, where Dad spent his last years. Up until the end, his positive outlook and sense of humor remained with him – his memories shared, jokes made, and his love abounding. We grieve our loss but rejoice knowing Dad has been reunited with the love of his life Gloria, and they are dancing and singing together in Heaven.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 8th at 2:00 pm at the Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home Chapel, 2551 North Armistead Avenue Hampton, Va. to be followed by private family burial at his final resting place, inside the Parklawn Memorial Mausoleum.

As an expression of sympathy the family requests that donations be made in Dr. Fisher’s honor to his beloved MCV (VCU) Dental School or the American Heart Association.

Donations to MCV can be mailed to:

MCV Foundation/GRM

Box 843042

Richmond, VA 23284-3042

(Memo line on check or include in a note, Dr. Elmer Fisher Class of 1960)

To make a gift in Dr. Fisher’s memory online - use this link:

https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/Dentistry

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parklawn-woodfh.com for the Fisher family.