Born in Blythewood, South Carolina, he was the youngest of eight children born to Frank Kee Entzminger, Sr. and Katherine Isabel Smith Entzminger. He received his early education through the Blythewood public schools before attending Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, where he earned his degree in accounting and management in 1959.
On September 2, 1954, he married the love of his life, Mary Ella Swygert, in Columbia, South Carolina. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, service, and community.
He began his professional career in Columbia, South Carolina, serving as chief accountant for Huckabee Transport for five years before becoming Chief Financial Officer of S.C. Baptist Hospital, where he also served for five years. At the age of 33, he and his family relocated to Temple, Texas, when he accepted the position of Assistant Administrator for Fiscal Services and Chief Financial Officer at Scott and White Memorial Hospital. He devoted the next 34 years to Scott and White, retiring in 1998 after a distinguished career in healthcare financial administration.
A respected leader in his profession, he was a member of the Texas Hospital Association, the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), where he held Advanced and Lifetime membership, and the Texas Association of Hospital Accountants (TAHA). He served as president of the Central Texas Chapter of HFMA in 1970 and as president of TAHA in 1971. He was also recognized as a leader in healthcare financial administration and played an important role in assisting healthcare professionals with the implementation of Medicare and Medicaid during their introduction in 1965 and 1966. He served on the HFMA faculty in connection with this important work.
His commitment to service extended well beyond his professional career. A gifted musician, he served churches in both South Carolina and Texas as a music director and organist. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Academy since 1970, where he served in numerous capacities, including Sunday school teacher, deacon, treasurer, building committee chairman, trustee, and organist.
He also devoted nine years to serving the Academy Independent School District Board of Trustees, including three years as board president. His years of service reflected his deep commitment to the Academy community and to the education and well-being of its children.
He proudly served his country as a member of the South Carolina Air National Guard and later served three years on active duty before being honorably discharged in 1953.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Mary Ella; sons William Entzminger, Jr. and Russell Entzminger; great-granddaughter Kate Ryan Entzminger; five sisters; and two brothers. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
He leaves behind a loving family and a lasting legacy of faith, service, leadership, and devotion. He is survived by his daughter, Kathrine Shelton of Holland; sons, David Entzminger and wife Cindy of Belton, and Wade Entzminger and Joyce Harris and Michael Entzminger and wife Laina, all of Holland; six grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
His life was marked by a steadfast commitment to his family, his faith, his profession, and the communities he served. The many lives he touched through his work, church, music, and civic service will forever be a meaningful part of his legacy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Academy Youth Fund, 304 North Highway 95, Academy, Texas 76554.
