William Fritz Rauschenberg

The Rauschenberg family announces the passing of beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, William Fritz Rauschenberg on July 19, 2022, just four days before his 81st birthday. Fritz was diagnosed with cancer on June 22, 2022 and was unable to overcome the extreme chemotherapy regimen that was required to cure his lymphoma. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gayle, his three daughters, Lisa, Kristi and Claire, his grandchildren, Kendra Main, Grace Hammond and Ruby Barth, and his brother Jerry Rauschenberg.

A proud third generation Atlanta native, Fritz was born on July 22, 1941 to William Riley Rauschenberg, Jr. and Sylvia Aileen Tyson. He attended Murphy High School in East Atlanta and married his high school sweetheart, Gayle Warwick, on June 17, 1961. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Polytechnic University in Marietta, GA. Fritz and Gayle began their family in Stone Mountain, GA while Fritz pursued his career in corrugated packaging, which he continued in some capacity until 2021.

Fritz was a creative and passionate man with many talents. He was known for his ability to disassemble, fix and rebuild all types of machinery, including numerous cars, motorcycles and bicycles. He was extremely meticulous and took great pride in his work.

He was also a talented musician. He wrote numerous songs and poetry, played the guitar, mandolin and harmonica. He even taught guitar to many students over years. He made countless meaningful and lasting relationships with other musicians and singers throughout his life. The relationships and collaborations he forged through music were the ones that provided him with the greatest sense of fulfillment.

Fritz also made lasting friendships through his love of cycling. He was a dedicated member of the Southern Bicycle League for decades and was a regular on the Freight Room ride each week. He gathered with other bikers and shared a beer and lively conversation at the old Freight Room at the corner of S. McDonough and College Street in Decatur many a Saturday afternoon. He often played his original music and covers of folk artists with comrades there and in many other coffee shops around town.

In his later years, Fritz combined his talent for mechanical engineering with his love of music when he began a second career as a luthier. He took great care to restore and repair all manner of stringed instruments, including guitars, violins and many more. He labored over the minutest details, ensuring that each broken, and sometimes ravaged, instrument was restored to its original, pristine condition.

A deeply spiritual man, Fritz was member of the church choir and a deacon. He derived great joy from teaching Sunday school and even leading young people on mission trips. Fritz and Gayle raised their girls at Avondale First Baptist Church, and most recently, they attended Mountain Park Baptist Church in Lilburn, GA.

Most of all, he had a curious mind and a deep desire for personal connections, whether he sought to understand scientific processes, musical compositions or individuals he enjoyed the pleasure of meeting.

His most important relationships were with his family. He was the primary caregiver to Gayle after several surgeries and a fall in 2021 that limited her mobility. He fiercely loved his wife and daughters, all of whom were gathered at his bedside as he passed to the next life. While his loss is devastating, he will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched with his life, spirit and music.

A visitation for William will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3150 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA 30084, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM

In Lieu of flowers, please make a Contribution/Donation in his honor to the Frank Hamilton School of Music at https://frankhamiltonschool.org/donate/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillsfuneral.com for the RAUSCHENBERG family.