In Memoriam: Dr. William Davis Fishback, Jr.
Dr. William Davis Fishback, Jr., 76, passed away at home Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Born in Versailles, Kentucky, he was the son of the late William Davis Fishback, Sr. and Frances Gore Fishback. Dave graduated from Te Lexington School, Henry Clay, Davidson College and Auburn University where he received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. While doing a veterinary internship in Charlottesville, VA he met his future wife, Betsy Buchanan Fishback.
Dave began his veterinary career at Woodford Veterinary Clinic, moving to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in 1975. He would remain at Hagyard for the remainder of his career, serving as President for over a decade, and retiring in 2018. He would always state that he had the best job because he was able to drive around the Bluegrass, see all of his best friends, and take care of horses everyday.
Dave also had a passion for his family business. He and his father bred stakes-winning Toroughbreds and Angus cattle at their family farm, Glen Airy, in Versailles. Dave wore several other hats in the equine and local community. He served many boards and organizations throughout his life: Te Lexington School Board of Trustees, Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, Pisgah Community Club, Pisgah Presbyterian Church Session, Woodford Humane Society, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Te American Veterinary Medical Association-Council on Education, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, and Toroughbred Club of America.
Giving back was a way of life for him, and something for which he never wanted to receive praise. More than anything, Dave took much pride in his relationships with family and friends. Dave was a devoted friend, son, brother, husband, father, and a very proud grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy Buchanan Fishback. Dave is survived by his daughters, Leslie Fishback Cutchins and husband Chip of Virginia Beach, Sarah Davis Fishback of Lexington, and his grandchildren, Cooper Anne Cutchins, Cecil Vaughan Cutchins, III, and Elizabeth Davis Cutchins, all of Virginia Beach. Dave is also survived by his sister, Frances Fishback Allen, his sister-in-law, Deborah Ann Buchanan, and three nieces, Sheila Camp Motley, Robin Janette Allen, and Elizabeth Allen Giordano.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, P.O. Box 13155, Lexington, KY 40511, the Markey Cancer Foundation, 115 Waller Avenue, Lexington, KY 40503, or
Woodford Humane Society, P.O. Box 44, Versailles, KY 40383.
12 KVMA News
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