D. Fripp Ducker, MD

Dr. D. Fripp Ducker, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on May 4, 1953, in Florence, South Carolina, he was the youngest of six children of Frederick Chrishon Ducker and Frances Fripp Ducker.

Fripp’s early years were marked by brilliance in almost everything he did. He attended Royall Elementary, Moore Jr. High, and graduated from West Florence High School in 1971. He then earned a BS in Business from Francis Marion University in 1976, where he was elected President of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, forging lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers, some of the greatest, caring and most loyal men that ever existed.   (Thanks Pika’s!)

After graduation, Fripp started DFD and Associates, a business similar to his father's company, Ducker Refrigeration Company. He became a master plumber, master electrician, and master HVAC technician. His technical acumen led to his appointment by the Governor of South Carolina to the Department of Energy.

Despite his success, one spring, after several years at the Department of Energy, Fripp shared with his family for the first time, that his one desire in life was to be a doctor. With the support of his family, he earned his Medical Degree from the South Carolina College of Medicine in Charleston and completed his residency at the College of Medicine at MUSC. He began his internal medicine practice with Dr. Conyers O’Brian at Florence Internal Medicine, which later became McLeod Internal Medicine. Fripp was a well-respected and in-demand doctor until his retirement in 2017.

On July 19, 2014, Fripp married Donna Sansbury in a small ceremony conducted by Pastor Julian Lazar. He was a thoughtful, loyal, and sincere husband.

Fripp leaves much too soon his wife, Donna; stepson William Benton Jr.; his sisters Katherine Chrishon of Hartfield, VA, Eugenia Fripp Lebherz of Leesburg, VA, Frederick C. Ducker, Jr. (Dona) of Murrells Inlet, SC,; his brothers William A. Ducker of Florence/Sunset Beach, NC and Charles Bultmann Ducker of Florence, SC; his nieces and nephews Katy Giller (Paul), Fernando Melendez (Katy), Monica Melendez, Ana Maria D’Amico (Arnie), Matthew Lebherz (Carol), Jaci Lebherz (Randy); Chrishon Ducker (Danielle); Mitzi Adams (Jayson), Suzanne Kincaid (Cody); as well as great nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with his lifelong friend Donnie Matheny.

Fripp was known for his warm, compassionate nature, brilliant intellect, and sharp sense of humor. He was a loving son, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be sorely missed by his family and countless friends.

Services will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 25, 2025, with visitation at 1:00 PM and the funeral at 2:00 PM, followed by burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Florence, SC. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate for Cancer research to the Hollings Cancer Center accepted through the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation. https://fundraise.musc.edu/give

We love you Fripp!

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