David Allen Kettler

David Allen Kettler, 66, of Gainesville, GA died November 20, 2009 in Cumming, GA.

Dr. Kettler was a globally recognized executive. He served as the BellSouth Vice President in charge of the Science & Technology organization and Chief Architect for the BellSouth Network until his retirement. Prior to BellSouth, Dr. Kettler spent over 15 years at AT&T Bell Laboratories and in Strategic Planning at the AT&T Corporate Headquarters. After his retirement from BellSouth he served a few years as Managing Director and General Partner of H.I.G. Capital Management. He has served on public and private company boards of directors. He earned his BEE, MSEE, and Ph.D.EE from the University of Virginia and served on the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Board of Trustees and as Chairman of the ECE Industrial Advisory Board. He actively contributed to Computer Science & Telecommunications Board Committee Reports on the Internet and Broadband. He also served on the College of Computing Advisory Board of Georgia Institute of Technology and numerous research and economic development steering committees. He proactively engaged university/industry activities, led numerous consortia projects and facilitated the technology transfer from research laboratories toward commercialization. Dr. Kettler was an IEEE Fellow.

He is survived by his beloved wife Laura, son Jeffrey A. Kettler and granddaughter Sarah. A. Kettler of Suwanee, GA, brothers and sisters Irvin G. Kettler, Jr, of Victoryville, CA, Victoria L. Hyer of White Marsh, MD, Thomas E. Kettler of Essex, MD, Kathy L. Kettler of Baltimore, MD, Cindy L. Gardener of Waldorf, MD and Debbie J. Raith of Essex, MD.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA. 30506. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations toward pancreatic cancer research be made to: TGen Foundation, One Arizona Center, 400 E. Van Burenn Street, Suite 850, Phoenix, AZ 85004.

Byars Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Cumming, Georgia will be in charge of the arrangements, 678-455-5815.