Obituary of Harry Carter Fisher, Jr.

Harry Carter Fisher, Jr., age 91, passed away on February 29, 2016, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center Hospital following a long period of failing health. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Louise Fisher of Warrenton, Virginia. He is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Barbara Kays Fisher. Also surviving are his daughter, Nancy Chewning, and her husband Tim of Roanoke, two grandsons, Christopher Chewning of Fairfax and Tyler Chewning of Roanoke, a sister, Harriet Gordon of Roanoke, a niece Susan Thews and her husband Marvin of Roanoke, a nephew, Paul Gordon of Nokesville, Virginia, a brother-in-law, William Kays of Ashburn, Virginia, a niece Amy Holt of Sterling, Virginia, and a nephew Todd Kays of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and many great nieces and nephews. Carter left high school to join the Navy in 1943. He served on the Battleship Arkansas (BB33), the oldest battleship in active duty in World War II, having been built in World War I. On June 6, 1944, they were in the Battle of Normandy off Omaha Beach and later in the Battle of Southern France. They arrived in the Pacific in time for the Battle of Iwo Jima where they saw the flag raised on Mt. Surabachi. After the war he went to Chicago to electrical school. He worked for VEPCO and later for the Civil Service Administration as a civilian electrician at Dulles Airport, Vint Hill Farms Army base and Quantico Marine Base from where he retired. He was a volunteer fireman from his teenage years and an antique car and fire truck enthusiast until his passing. He helped organize the first volunteer rescue squad in Warrenton. After moving to Roanoke, he became a volunteer tour guide at the D-Day Memorial and remained an avid supporter of it until his death. In addition, he enjoyed spending time with the Sampson Air Force Group and the Roanoke 8th Air Force Fellowship. He was also a dedicated member of Bonsack Baptist Church. At his request he will be buried at sea by a Navy ship out of Portsmouth, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, Virginia, 24523. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 2nd, from 6-8 P.M. at Simpson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 3rd, at 2:00 P.M. at Bonsack Baptist Church. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home (540)366-0707.