OBITUARY
Dr. David Andrew Stump
December 5, 1950 – February 5, 2021
Dr. David Stump passed away February 5th, 2021 at Wake Forest University Hospital after suffering a heart attack. David was born in Amarillo, Texas on Dec 5th, 1950 to the late Gerald and Lily Stump.
He received a BA from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas in 1972 and ultimately a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology-Physiological Psychology from the University of Houston, Houston, Texas. He was a practicing psychologist from 1976 until he moved in 1977 to Winston-Salem, NC after being recruited by Dr. James Toole and the late Dr. Lawrence McHenry to set up the Cerebral Blood Flow Laboratory and run the Outpatient Neuropsychology Clinic at Wake Forest University School of Medicine (at the time called Bowman Gray School of Medicine).
Initially, Dr. Stump’s professional career at Wake Forest centered on cerebral blood flow and ultimately his research interests solidified into studying brain injury after cardiac bypass. This career-long research resulted in writing or managing 56 NIH grants, most of which centered on modifications to cardiac bypass and testing for subtle, but significant brain damage after surgery. Dr. Stump was a world renowned investigator, authoring 97 peer reviewed scientific papers. He was a visiting professor and lectured at numerous prestigious medical institutions and medical meetings all over the world. At the time of his retirement in 2015 he was a full Professor with appointments in both the Department of Anesthesiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery.
David was an avid outdoorsman for his whole life and engaged in numerous outdoor activities and adventures on many continents. He and his wife Paula regarded their Chihuahuas as “surrogate children”, and at one time there were as many as nine in their household. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Paula Reid Stump, two sisters, Jeannie Stanfield and Anna Nedeau, both of Kansas City, MO , Uncle Carl Puett of Marquez, TX, Sisters-in-law Rose Jackson(R.A.) and Jackie Frank(Joe) along with numerous nieces & nephews.
We would like to acknowledge the wonderful care David received at Wake Forest University Hospital, the Cardiology Department and in particular, the medical teams and caregivers in the Cardiac ICU.
A celebration of life will be held at 3PM Sunday, February 14th at Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Clemmons. The family will receive friends at a catered reception immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider contributing to Paws Assisting Wounded Warriors (www.pawws.org).
DONATIONS
- Paws Assisting Wounded Warriors
Services
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
-
Celebration of Life Service
Sunday, February 14, 2021
OTHER SERVICES:
Gathering of Family and Friends to follow the Service
Memories
Dr. David Andrew Stump
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYPaula Stump
February 27, 2021
(Tim Wilcox - New Zealand):
Dear Paula. I have just heard of David’s passing in a message from Tim Jones. Brigid and I send our most sincere condolences. I am finding it difficult to dictate this as tears run down my face. David was a huge influence on my life. I consider him a close friend not with standing significant differences geographically and (I now say with a smile) politically. His mentoring and encouragement throughout our interactions at Key West forged a major part of my academic career. However what endures is David’s genuine care for people and his kindness. I recall when Brigid‘s cousin in Australia got sick with some mysterious illness that had a cognitive component David picked up the phone and provided advice to her GP. Paula it’s hard for me to explain the deep affection that I have for David and his friendship. I feel for you at this time but I know that you and David are soulmates in the true sense and live life to the full. My sincere love and best wishes. Tim
John Murkin
February 25, 2021
Paula and family, what a tremendous loss - David was truly one of the greats.
He was one of those unique and fearless individuals who you may only meet once but will never forget.
The self styled 'bald-headed professor' enjoyed nothing better than sharing his opinions and theories - many of which have profoundly improved the conduct of perfusion and cardiac surgery around the world - no matter who he was speaking with.
A real outdoorsman, a warm and open individual with an inventive mind, a great sense of humor and an inexhaustible store of anecdotes and stories - David was always entertaining and never at a loss for words.
It was my very good fortune to have had the opportunity to work on 'Outcomes' with David for a number of years and to share, what were for me, several truly great adventures. My deepest condolences to you and the family. He is sorely missed.
Sail on Tex.
Tim Jones
February 24, 2021
Paula all out thoughts are with you. What terribly sad news and a huge loss.
I had the privilege of being David’s research fellow. He was my boss, supervisor, mentor and most importantly friend. His pioneering research work undoubtedly has improved the lives and outcomes of patients undergoing heart surgery throughout the world.
Using his vast knowledge, experience and unique approach he not only highlighted the plight of patients but he also came up with solutions as well as training a generation of researchers. Our current research program is built on many of the principles he taught me and I frequently find myself quoting David to our fellows and collaborators!
I will never forget the spontaneous tutorials we had sitting in rivers, on dive boats, at airports or in his yard with Paula and the chihuahuas covering everything and anything from statistics, to fishing, grantmanship, how to shoot a gun, research methodology, survival and of course politics! They were special times.
A unique person who could at times be controversial and confrontational in his views but always he was incredibly kind and generous not only in a materialistic way but with his time and his knowledge and his support.
David it was a privilege to know you, to train under you and to be able to call you a friend. May you rest in peace.
Tim
Kathryn Crowell
February 17, 2021
David was my godfather. I have fond childhood memories of David swinging my brother and I around by our ankles every time we visited and chasing us around the house. Paula, I was so sorry to hear about his passing.
Griffin Murphey
February 16, 2021
I’d like to add a short story about Dave; he used his psych background to talk down a guy who went berserk on a flight to South Africa and was trying to break down the cockpit door. (After he and other passengers subdued the man...) He received a TSA commendation for that. I’m certain he also used it to comfort many patients he interacted with over his career.
Garland Swiney
February 15, 2021
Sorry Paula for you and your families lost. May God look down and lead you and your family thru the lost of a loving husband and family member. Will be praying for you and the family.
Frank Wood
February 14, 2021
As a scholar and friend David was as vigorous as he was insightful; as pro-social as he was intellectual. Paula, please know that, despite the distance, Martha and I are walking beside you, with fond memories and renewed hope.
Dwight Deal
February 13, 2021
David was my mentor, advocate, and friend for over 20 years at Wake Forest in the Cerebral Blood Flow lab. I could always count on his full support which made so many things possible for me over those years. Thank you my friend, may you rest in peace.
Judy Aanstad
February 13, 2021
I was shocked and saddened to hear of David’s sudden death. He was a friendly and caring neighbor who always had a smile and good ideas to help in any way he could. My heart goes out to Paula at his unexpected loss. So very sorry, Judy and Brad
Mitzi Royster
February 13, 2021
Paula, I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked and saddened to see the passing of David in the newspaper. He was fun loving and a joy to be around. I always enjoyed seeing you two lovebirds together at Anesthesia gatherings.
May he Rest In Peace and may you find comfort in your happy memories.
John Bennett
February 13, 2021
I count it a personal blessing and a professional honor to have known David.
His pioneering work in cerebral emboli detection during cardiopulmonary bypass contributed to improving the quality of life of countless patients undergoing complex cardiovascular surgical procedures. It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to participate, if even in a few, of his many publications. The international conference he organized and hosted in Key West, with the assistance of his lovely wife, Paula, was an annual highlight for several years running . As were the snorkeling adventures to Loo Key and other favorites where David, always the jokester, was known on occasion to impersonate a barracuda much to the enjoyment of all (well, maybe with the exception of his victim)😊
I have missed him since he retired and will miss him even more now.
Thank you, Paula, for sharing him with us.
With sincere condolences,
John, Carol and Shaylyn Bennett
Michael Olympio
February 13, 2021
Paula, I'm so saddened to hear that David has passed, and hope you will be forever comforted by wonderful memories. I have many of David, and you as a couple, but particularly as a young "scientist," I participated in his cerebral blood flow research in the operating room. David had such character and charisma and was forever unflappable; nothing seemed to bother him (especially deadlines). I think he knew how to enjoy life, and took living seriously.... especially with you! May his memory be eternal. We will miss him.
Mike and Georgia
Julia Phipps
February 13, 2021
We have lost a very dear friend and colleague. Dr. Stump mentored a whole generation of young scientists. I felt privileged to be his friend and team member. I know he will be missed by a lot of people. David was known all over the world and he treated everyone the same with respect and admiration. I felt honored to be a member of the XENON GANG. Paula, my heart goes out to you for the great loss you are experiencing.
Rosie Hilbawi
February 13, 2021
I have the fondest memories of working with Dr. Stump at the CBF Lab at Bowman Gray in the 90’s. I was so proud to work on such innovative research team, lead by Dr. Stump. He was like a father figure to several of us. I still remember the delicious venison strew and grilled antelope that he brought to our potluck lunches. Our team traveled to many meetings and site visits but the highlight was our annual conference in Key West. It was so rewarding to see the results of our research presented at the conference and to know we were making positive impact. There is no one else quite like Dr. Stump! He will truly be missed. My sincerest condolences to Paula. My thoughts are with you. I will always be proud to be a member of the “Xenon Gang”’.
Griffin Murphey DDS
February 12, 2021
I met Dave when he began at Trinity University in 1968. We were both on the varsity rifle team competing against other universities. Dave got involved with research in the psych department. This led to an expert knowledge of neuroanatomy. In the days before scans he could determine the exact location of brain tumors merely by evaluating the patient’s symptoms. His expertise led him into a lifelong battle to make cardio-bypass surgery safer. I was fortunate enough to share many hunts for deer and turkey and some three gun and rifle matches here in Texas. He’s been a great friend for the past 53 years and I already miss him and his near daily internet traffic. A big loss for all who knew him.
Barbara Ruby
February 12, 2021
I will always remember working with Dr. Stump on the NIH studies from 1992 to 1996 at Bowman Gray (now WFUMC) and will always look back on that time with great memories. I had such a wonderful opportunity working with Dr. Stump and the other doctors and learned so much and continue to use what I learned while working directly with patients and and now on clinical trials in Neuroscience. Going to the conferences in Key West and visiting Dr. Stump and Paula's homes for dinners were always a lot of fun. We had a great group with that lab and I will remember it fondly. I will never forget leaving NC to travel across the US and Dr. Stump giving me a flare gun for safety. I think I still have it. Take care Paula.
Bruce Cusson
February 12, 2021
I was saddened to hear of Dr. Stumps passing. My deepest condolences to his lovely wife Paula. I began working in research for David Stump in the mid 90’s at WFU. He was world renowned for his work in neuroscience and cardiac surgery. He always went to bat for his research team especially to bring us along on research meetings. This pic is from Oxford, but we went with him to Amsterdam, London, Sweden and other places. His annual Key West, FL symposium that attracted researchers from around the world was always fun. He held his meeting there because it was very casual and it allowed these researchers to be casual and collaborate with each other. He always encouraged deep and sometimes controversial discussions on a wide range of topics. Rest In Peace my friend.
kitty cripliver
February 12, 2021
Paula my heart is breaking for you, I know he was the love of your life. Sending prays and happy thoughts your way.
Jakob & Melanie Vinten-Johansen
February 12, 2021
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Stump. We knew and worked with Dave for many years. He was an excellent scientist, a consummate researcher, a true academician, and a good friend. He was always fun, with an unending wit. His academic work translated into clinical practice, and indeed changed the clinical practice of cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass to the benefits of many patients. We send our heartfelt condolences to Paula and the families and, of course, to their fur-babies.
Ellen Tommasi
February 12, 2021
Ellen Tommasi
February 12, 2021
When our son flew an RC plane into the fork of a tree in advance Dave came out and sawed a branch with his gun to help us get the plane. It worked. He was a lot of fun.... I’ll miss him.
Jim Campbell
February 12, 2021
I knew Dave through my work at Carolina Medical Electronics where we supplied blood flowmeters and other instruments for Dave's laboratory at Wake Forest. He was a true scientist and a great person to work with. Dave will be truly missed.
Paula- Dianne and I offer sincere condolences.
James Stewart Campbell, MD.
Christine Campbell
February 12, 2021
Alan left me a a message yesterday to share this information, and I was deeply saddened to hear this news. It's been since my dancing days that I saw David and enjoyed his special brand of charm and quirky sense of humor. You two were a great example of a long-lasting marriage supporting (and being patient) with each other's individual passions and interests. May he rest in peace, and may you find peace in this difficult time of transition.
Love,
Chris
Sally Kinsey Hogan
February 11, 2021
Paula, I am so very sorry for your loss. I always thought a great deal of Dr. Stump, especially when I was his secretary at Bowman Gray School of Medicine many years ago. I still have the large Conch shell and Starfish that you all gave me after one of your scuba diving trips off the coast of Florida. He loved you very much and was so proud of you. I pray that you will find peace and comfort in the days to come. The world has lost a truly remarkable man.
Sandy Caudle
February 11, 2021
Paula, so sorry to hear about David. He was just awesome. One of my favorite people to work with. We shared many good times and loads of laughter. Will keep you in our prayers. Much love to you. Sandy and Joe Caudle
Kevin Rogers
February 11, 2021
Paula,
We've never met, but I shared many Saturday mornings and afternoons over the years with David in Wilkesboro shooting IDPA. In fact, the last time I went, he was on my squad and served as our Safety Officer. He was always so much fun to be around and his personality was infectious! Until reading about his career in the obituary, I had no idea the kind of work he did and how it had touched so many people. Being at a match on the weekends like that for a short time, you rarely have the opportunity to truly get to know someone's background. You spend most of your time having to concentrate on being safe and shooting the match. This has given me pause to re-evaluate that behavior and take more time talking with people and truly getting to know them.
You and you family are in my prayers...David will be sorely missed.
Kevin Rogers
Indian Trail, NC
Gwen Pardue
February 11, 2021
Dearest Paula,
I’m so sorry to learn David has passed away. Although it’s been years since I’ve been in his company, it was always a memory not to be forgotten.
I pray that all the great memories will occupy your heart and mind too help you through this difficult time.
Blessings!
Marjorie Asel
February 10, 2021
Paula you have lost the love of your life, far too soon. And all of your family and friends have lost a personality not to be duplicated or ever replaced in our lives......David treated everyone the same, if they did the yard work or sat beside him in a "life altering" meeting; they were equal. His quick wit and vast knowledge on all subjects was evident in each and every conversation that ensued; and there were multitudes...and unending!!!
Paula my heart aches for you and what you are going through; to have TEX taken from you so unexpected and sudden. May GOD hold you in HIS embrace and comfort you.
Love and peace,
Marge
Jackie Frank
February 10, 2021
Paula,
We are all going to miss David and his exciting experiences in life that he loved to talk about. Love you David.
Mike Cannon
February 10, 2021
I am shocked and so sorry to hear about Dave's passing. Dave was a great friend and we enjoyed many outings over the past several years practicing and competing with our handguns. Dave taught me a great deal and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Shelby Hedrick
February 10, 2021
Paula,
Remember the good times that you and David have shared. The love you two had for one another was a true blessing that many people have not experienced. David was a special person who was always joking and laughing…and he could talk to anyone about everything!
Sending our love and prayers to you, and may God’s angels watch over you always.
Love,
Shelby & David Hedrick
Addie Larimore
February 9, 2021
I am saddened to hear of Dave's passing. Our loss is deeply felt. He was a bright and entertaining coworker. He shared his love and respect of guns and hunting with my son, Gus. He hunted on my father's land a few times and refinished the stock on a rifle that had been my grandfather's for Gus. Gus and I were just talking about Dave the other day--Gus was contemplating getting in touch since he's here in NC due to the pandemic. A tremendous loss for family and friends. RIP, Dave.