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Celebrating the life of
William Nettles Wessinger, MD
March 25, 1947 - February 20, 2025
William Nettles Wessinger, MD passed away peacefully at home, under the care of Hospice Savannah, with his wife by his side on February 20, 2025, after an extended fight with liver cancer. He was born in Columbia, SC, on March 25, 1947 to James Bryson Wessinger and Eliza Nettles Wessinger.
Bill grew up in Columbia and graduated from Dreher High School in 1965. He attended The Citadel and graduated in 1969 with a major in Chemistry. He then attended the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). After graduating with his MD degree, Bill attended flight school at Fort Rucker to become a Flight Surgeon and was awarded the Army Flight Surgeon badge. From there, the Army sent him to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, holding the rank of Captain. After being honorably discharged, he was accepted to the Duke University School of Medicine to begin his residency in Orthopedic Surgery. Prior to starting this program, he elected to do an extra 6 month surgical residency at the University of Washington, located in Seattle. While in his 4th year at Duke, he served as Chief Resident. After finishing his residency in Orthopedics, Billelected to stay another year to get a Fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremities.
After graduating from Duke, Bill moved to Savannah to begin practice with Orthopedics Associates in 1981,(which later merged with Optim Orthopedics). He practiced orthopedics for over 23 years. He was one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the area and cared greatly for hispatients, forming lasting friendships with many of them.
Later in his life Bill went into hospital administration so he could devote more time to raising two teenagers. He was appointed Senior VP of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Memorial Health. He was on the Quality Improvement Council and later became the Manager of Case Management. During this time, he also received his MBA in Medical Finance online at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 2013, Bill was elected Chatham County Coroner, a position he held for 8 years.
Bill received many accolades during his lifetime. He was elected Member of the American Society of Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), member of the Piedmont Orthopedic Society (Duke), member of the Georgia Orthopedic Society, and was elected Professor Emeritus of Surgery at Mercer University School of Medicine. Being involved in his community was incredibly important to Bill. He was a former Board Member at Curtis Cooper Primary Healthcare, former member of Eastside Rotary, former President of the Board of Directors at Riverview Health Rehabilitation. In 2011, Bill was presented with a plaque stating that he was an Honorary Member of the Ranger’s 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, in recognition of his faithful and dedicated service to the Rangers at Hunter Army Airfield. In 2012, the Coastal Empire Council of Boy Scouts of America presented him with the Outstanding Eagle Award.
In 2012 the Memorial Health Foundation chose to celebrate his 65th birthday by attempting to raise $65,000 for the refurbishment of the Emergency Department. They surpassed this goal and raised $110,000. In 2015 he was chosen by the Georgia Medical Society as a Health Care Hero. Also in 2015, Bill was honored by the Savannah Technical College Foundation Council (sponsored by Judy and Dick Eckburg) as a Community Star – an honor given to people who have made a difference in our community.
Bill was very proud of his ancestors and was a member of several societies: the Huguenot Society of South Carolina, the German Heritage Society, the French Society, a former member of the St. David’s Society, the Society of The High Hills of the Santee, SC.
He was also a member of The Oglethorpe Club, The Cotillion Club, The Century Club, and past member of The Chatham Club.
Bill was a good man. He might be the first to tell you, but he would be right, like he always was. He was known for his wicked sense of humor and the pranks he enjoyed playing on co-workers. He had an amazing memory and never forgot a name. One of his colleagues shared that Bill took care of his father when he injured his hand from a prescription exploding at his pharmacy. Bill did a delicate nerve repair and returned his hand to full function. Twenty years later when this colleague came to town to start his practice, Bill still remembered it, even which finger it was!
Bill was full of stories about The Citadel and the military, and he loved to share them. He was larger than life in more ways than one, and you always knew he would be there for you if and when you needed him. This wonderful man will truly be missed.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was most proud of raising his two children, Lucy and Will to become wonderful, intelligent, caring adults, both of whom entered the healthcare field. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 22 years, Karen KennickellWessinger, his son William Charles Drehr Wessinger and his wife Gracie, his two grandchildren Noel and Freya Wessinger (who he called nearly every day), his son-in-law Mathew Menefee, his stepdaughter Elizabeth Coolidge Rinfrette (Jeff) and their two children Logan and Ashlynn, his stepson Hermann Coolidge, III (Libby) and their son Hermann William Coolidge, IV, sister-in-law Cynthia, nephews Jim (Barbara), John (children LizAnn and James), and Rob, brother-in-law Alfred Kennickell(Terri). Bill was predeceased by his parents James and Eliza Wessinger, his brother James Wessinger, and his daughter, Lucy Wessinger Menefee.
Visitation will be Monday, February 24, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. A Memorial service will be held on February 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Isle of Hope, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. A private graveside service for the family will precede the church service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made “In Memory of William Wessinger” to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2 St. Thomas Avenue, Savannah, GA 31406 or to the UNC School of Nursing Lucy Wessinger Menefee Memorial Scholarship and mailed to UNC Gifts Processing, P.O. Box 309, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
Our dear Karen. We’re so saddened to learn about Bill’s passing. You both have been in our thoughts and prayers over the last several years.. and will continue to be. Wish I was there to give you a big hug. Lots of love now and always. Susan and Danny
- Susan Kaiser, Statesboro, GA
My condolences to Dr. Wessinger's family. I was never a patient of his, but our paths crossed over the years- most recently when we both worked at Memorial Medical Center. He was friendly, engaging, and a great (and wise) conversationalist.
- Stephen Smith, Savannah, Georgia
Saddened to see Dr. Wessinger has passed. Our paths crossed when I worked at the hospital during the 80's and then again in 1990 when our three year old son broke his femur. Not only did he remember me, Dr. Wessinger provided excellent care and surgery for our son. We have always been so grateful to be able to have had Dr. Wessinger. May God be with you during this time and may you find peace through the many wonderful memories. Donna and Wes Douglass
- Douglass, Amelia Island, Florida
Karen and family, Kathryn and I are so sorry about Bill's passing. Bill was always friendly and would speak every time I would see him. He was the best Chatham Corner and took his position very serious. Bill will be missed by many people and this community. Prayers to all of the family.
- Frank & Kathryn Murray , Pembroke , GA.
Dear Karen, My sympathy for the loss of your husband. You, your family and our community have lost an accomplished man who apparently cared deeply for all. Amanda Cannon
- Amanda Cannon, Savannah, GA
Karen, Condolences to you and your family. I worked with Bill for several years at Memorial Health. He was very caring and was always available to help, when needed. His expert advice was always appreciated. I know he will truly be missed by many people. My thought and prayers are with you.
- Kimberly Byrd , Savannah, Ga.
I have fond memories of Dr. Bill. I know he will be missed. My prayers are with his family.
- Robyn Quattlebaum, Savannah, Georgia
When I joined Memorial Health in 2010, Bill was one of the first to welcome me and truly became a mentor and friend over my years working with him. I looked forward to his conversations and nuggets of wisdom that he always seemed to have. Our thoughts are with Karen and his family during this difficult time. What a wonderful legacy he has left on the Savannah community.
- Bill Lee, Savannah, Georgia
Karen and Will I am so sorry. He was the best. Teacher, mentor, doctor, friend. I miss him dearly. I Wish I could have spent more years working and learning from him. Such a great man
- ILA Hinchberger, Sav, Ga
A candle has been lit!
Sending Dr. Wessinger’s family much love and peace. We are very blessed to have known him …. So dedicated and caring.. a true servant of God. I had the pleasure of knowing him over the years from Orthopedic Associates to Memorial Health.
- Kelly Hunt, Savannah, GA
I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Wessingers passing. He was called in for emergency surgery on my then 7yo daughter's foot. We had a situation with another Dr which upset me very much. He would not go into that operating room until he knew my daughter and myself were "ok". He consoled me and then took care of her. I've never forgotten that act of care and concern.
- JoAnn Cottle, Bloomingdale, GA
Bill was a great man I had the pleasure of working with him at Memorial. Bill was one of the good guys he cared about every one.
- Steven Stanic, Lake Charles, LA
R.I.P Dr. Wessinger. He was the best Doctor.Met him at Memorial hospital when i worked there. May God comfort the families hearts during this time of sorrow.
- Barbara Ann Griffin , Savannah, Georgia
So very sorry to hear of Dr. Wessinger passing. He was a very wonderful physician at MHUMC and both my husband and I were very fortunate to work with him and enjoyed working with him! Prayers and condolences to your family during this difficult time!
- Harry and Katrina Helmly, Savannah, GA
My condolences. I did not know Bill at The Citadel , but became friends through our class net and reunions. He was a charming fellow, had an amazing memory. He loved his family, Savanah and The Citadel classmates. "Fair winds and following seas," Dr. Bill
- Drew Dodenhoff , New Orleans , Louisiana
A candle has been lit!
Prayers and condolences to the family, I worked with Dr. Wessinger for many years begining when he worked on what was then 3rd Ortho at Memorial, he used to bring Lucy and Will on the unit while he worked weekends. He will be missed as a jokester!! but one dedicated to his work...he was one of the best!
- Deborah Mincey Nelson , Savannah , Georgia
I moved to Savannah in 1985 working at Memorial for over 30 years. I got to know Bill while working in PACU. He decided to like me after I yelled at him. He was an amazing MD and person. I have always admired him. My prayers are with his family, especially Will. Will, Matthew sends his prayers to you. Erin
- Erin Agudelo, Chesapeake , Virginia
Thirty years ago I fell and injured my right arm. Being the OR nurse that I was, rather than going to the ER, I walked to the OR to see if there was an orthopedist there. Dr. Wessinger happened to be walking out of the OR front door. He quickly examined my arm and walked me to radiology and had X-rays done. It was just a hairline fracture of my radius and required no treatment. I’ll never forget his kindness and prompt attention. He followed up with me in his office a couple of weeks later. Times have definitely changed and this could not happen today. I never received a bill, just his kindness and expertise. I’ve never forgotten this! They don’t make them like Dr. Wessinger anymore!
- Ellen Gay, Savannah, Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Mon, February 24, 2025
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 11:00 am on Tue, February 25, 2025
- St. Thomas Episcopal Church
-
2 St. Thomas Ave. (map)
Savannah GA 31406