Ferdinand Vogt Kay “Ferd” was born in 1928 in Byron, Georgia to James Benjamin and Lena Adair Kay, joining a brother Jimmy and sisters Lena Belle, Kitty, and Sara. Sister Virginia soon joined the fun and they all remained best friends throughout their lives. In 1952 he married Laurie Shannon and together they built a rich family life that remained strong for more than 70 years.
Ferd had graduated from Emory University in 1950 and completed his MD at Medical College of Georgia in 1959. He and Laurie settled in Macon and soon had 2 daughters, Shannon Kay Fickling and Mary Virginia Gage (Jeff).
His practice in family medicine from 1961 – 2000 brought him great joy, especially each opportunity to bring a baby into the world, and he delivered hundreds. His life as a caring physician included memberships on the boards of Coliseum Medical Center (1972-76), the Medical Center of Central Georgia (1978-84) where he was Chief of Staff in 1974, Chairman of the Macon-Bibb County Health Department (1977-1984) and Faculty Preceptor at Mercer University School of Medicine (1988-2000). After his retirement in 2000 he continued to be involved at the Macon Volunteer Clinic for 2 years.
Retired life allowed more time for those things he had always loved – church and community life, travel with friends and family, golf and cards with the guys, sailing, skiing and time with grandchildren Laurie Fickling (Nick Landis), Virginia Dru Fickling, and William Fickling IV (Frannie Speer). He welcomed Sara Gage Anderson (Lawrence) and Rachel Gage Meyer (Peter) into the family and the recent addition of great grandchildren Gage Anderson, Neva Fickling and Charlotte Anderson “Charlie”. And of course, he and Laurie continued to dance wherever and whenever life threw them the chance.
A private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery with Dr. Jimmy Asbell officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at Vineville United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 12th at 11:00 AM. There will be a visitation at the church following the service.
Ferd would appreciate donations in his memory to some of the places he loved. Vineville Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Ave, Macon GA 31204; The Methodist Home for Children and Youth, 304 Pierce Ave, Macon 31204; The Satilla River Club, c/o Friends of Historic Linda Plantation Fund, Community Foundation of Central GA, 577 Mulberry St. Suite 1600, Macon 31201; and Pine Pointe Hospice, 6261 Peake Road, Macon 31210.
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes.
Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of arrangements.
