Vanderbilt professor, entrepreneur, and business mentor Dr. David Houseal Furse passed from earth to heaven on December 18, 2024. David’s Celebration of Life and Love will be held on February 15, 2025, at 4:00 pm at West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN, with a reception to follow.
David loved teaching, mentoring, reading a book a week, writing business articles and poetry, hiking in the woods, cycling through vineyards, eating a dinner of fine cheese and wine, swimming in the ocean, solving a business problem, collecting quotes, connecting with babies and little kids, and gardening in his flower beds. He grew wildflowers and roses in Nashville and blooming cacti and orange trees in Scottsdale. He named and talked to his gardens and his Koi and was convinced that the plants and fish talked back to him. His “Furse-isms” were famous with mentees and students – brutally honest, often witty, and shared because he cared about them and their success. David was known for his smile, positive outlook, courage to take risks, strategic mind, and love of his family, colleagues, and close friends.
David’s professional accomplishments spanned academia, consulting, entrepreneurship, and mentoring. He graduated from Decatur GA High School, the University of Georgia, the University of Illinois, and Georgia State University (PhD) with degrees in marketing, advertising, and business administration. He began his career as a professor at Michigan State University and Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management before leaving academia in 1983 to launch the Nashville Consulting Group (NCG). Through his vision and leadership, NCG evolved into NCG Research, a pioneer in patient satisfaction and outcomes measurement, serving hospital clients across the globe. After selling NCG Research in 1999, he ventured into the tech world with PortMD, creating tools to aid children with behavioral and learning challenges. Yet, he still returned to teaching as an adjunct professor at Belmont University and then back at Vanderbilt for 10 years, a role that allowed him to mentor and inspire countless young minds into his 70s. His favorite classes to teach were Strategic Capstone for Vanderbilt Executive MBAs and Entrepreneurship for Business undergraduates. David bookended his career as the co-founder and treasurer of Executive Aura, a successful business consulting firm focused on strategic growth, engaged corporate cultures, and leadership development. He worked with executives to Think, Lead, and Act Like a CEO.
David enjoyed giving back to the Nashville community. He served as board chair and then advisory board member of Family and Children’s Services and as board chair of Girls Scouts of Middle Tennessee and TN Trails Association. He supported over 15 non-profits, including West End UMC, National Park Conservation, Federal Club of Human Rights Campaign, and Greenways of Nashville. His best friend, Michael Burcham, says, “When I launched the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, David didn’t just support me – he became a cornerstone of our mentorship program, dedicating thousands of hours to guide entrepreneurs. For David, it was never about recognition; it was about impact. His wisdom, kindness, and generosity of spirit left an indelible mark on everyone he coached and mentored.”
David was a man of profound depth and shared his leadership lessons from serving his country in Vietnam as a public information officer embedded with the 9th Infantry Division. He spoke of his service with courage and vulnerability, never afraid to step up to serve. He earned numerous commendations for his service, including two Bronze Stars, two Air Medals, and a Purple Heart – a reflection of the bravery and resilience that defined him. Every few years, he gathered with the men who he served alongside in Vietnam, and did his own pilgrimage back to Vietnam 40 years after service.
David was fascinated by ideas. His research on marketing includes a co-authored book, Effective Television Advertising – still quoted and used today. He was always writing business articles, challenging the status quo, and creating new tools for businesses to use.
David had a philosophy of life of “Getting to Zen.” Act 1 is growing up and lessons especially learned from his mom. Act 2 is independence to develop in your thinking. Act 3, you move towards maturity to make better decisions. Act 4 is about mentoring and giving back to others. Act 5 is gaining wisdom and sharing it with others. Act 6 is Zen – finding peace. His transformation in his thinking and living changed with every decade, and he died peacefully – finally into Zen.
David is survived by his spouse, Kimberly Pace; children Kristina (Bronson) Davis of Niles, MI, and Erik Furse of Nashville, TN; grandchildren Aleya and Emilia Davis; former spouse and mother of his children Gunn Furse; brother James (Deborah) Furse, sister-in-law Nevelle Furse; brother-in-law Ken (Maurine) Pace, mother-in-law Faye Pace, admired nieces and nephews, and his two Shih Tzus Coco Chanel and Liza Minelli. Preceding his death were his parents, Sarah Beacham and Stephen Furse III of Decatur, GA; sisters Sally (John) Harper and Julie (Charles) Farr; brothers Stephen Furse IV (Carol) and John Furse Sr.; and father-in-law Tom Pace. His ancestors – from an archbishop to military leaders – were from Savannah, GA, and the United Kingdom.
David was a kid at heart. Babies, little kids, and dogs flocked around him. His time with his grand girls Aleya and Emilia brought him immense joy because they are always curious and sponges for knowledge – something he admired in others. He was right there with them on museum trips and city adventures, trying all the exhibits and attractions. As a dad, he quarterbacked and designed plays for Nerf Football, pitched baseballs, and traveled on weekends for sports. He always spoke with pride about Kristina and Erik, both brilliant, compassionate, courageous, and respectful. He loved them and loved spending time with them. Being a dad and a granddad were his greatest accomplishments.
David was generous and compassionate with his friends. He greeted them with hugs and would give them anything they needed. If someone said, “I like that Green Egg,” David would respond, “Take it, please.” When out shopping with friends, if someone liked something, he was known to buy one for everyone. His love language was acts of service. He was there when neighbors called and needed an extra hand or advice. He could also sit in silence during the deepest moments of grief.
David and Kimberly lived a 20-year love story. Their travels worldwide were masterclasses in conversations with locals to understand their history, culture, food, and wines. Every place was an opportunity to learn and to challenge their way of life. Theirs was a true partnership where two independent people chose to love each other, cheer for each other, and be each other’s biggest fans. Each day, connections of love and respect were made. When problems arose, they worked as a team to find the solution. Most importantly, they laughed – at themselves and always with each other. Every day was an occasion to discover something new about yourself, others, and creation. They sought to be role models for a healthy marriage and invested in this love.
David believed that everything had life, and life was to be soaked up every day. The only reason to slow down was to look into a friend’s soul, sip a glass of fine wine, and enjoy a meal with those he loved.
David often said, “The measure of a life well-lived isn’t in the titles you earn but in the lives you touch.” By that score, David’s life was immeasurable. He touched countless lives and left the world far better than he found it.
In place of flowers, please contribute to Nashville Family & Children’s Service, plant something in your yard, or take a trip with someone you love.
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