News

Dr. Strickland, who practiced here for 50 years, dies at age 84

Dr. William H. Strickland

By Bill Moss, Published: January 21, 2014

Dr. William H. "Bill" Strickland Jr., who practiced family medicine in Hendersonville for more than 50 years, delivering hundreds of babies and then doctoring them through the years, died on Saturday, which was his 84th birthday.

A 1954 medical school graduate, Strickland was well known in the community, having delivered hundreds of babies and cared for children and adults during his five decades of medical practice.
"He made house calls up until he retired," said his daughter, Lynne. "He was physically active. He played tennis. He had a handball court in his house."
In recent months, however, he had suffered multiple of medical problems, he said.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, officiated by Father Alex Viola at Bo Thomas Auditorium at BRCC. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is handling arrangements.

Besides his daughter Lynne, Dr. Strickland is survived by Donna Marie Strickland, of Jupiter, Fla., William Keith Strickland and his wife, Marti, of Elon, and Dr. John Snow Strickland, DDS, and his wife, Katie, of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Strickland graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill and went on to Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University, where he met and married the love of his life, Alice Snow Strickland, a registered nurse. They were married for over 60 years until her death on Oct. 29.
After he completed a family practice residency in Johnson City, Tenn., he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Staioned in Selma, Ala., he served as a first lieutenant in the Medical Rescue Division. In 1958 Dr. B.J. Romeo recruited him to join his practice and he began his long medical career in Hendersonville. He worked for many years in partnership with Dr. Edgar Baker and Dr. David Slawek in the office the physicians built on the corner of Fleming Street and Fifth Avenue a block from Pardee Hospital.
He served as chief of staff at Pardee, president of the Medical Society, and on the board of the organization that became Blue Ridge Community Health Services and on other boards and civic organizations.
The family thanked Dr. James Caserio for his constant dedication to him during his later years, Dr. Scott Donaldson whom he respected and grew very fond of, Dr. Mike Jones, Dr. David Mackel, Dr. Stuart Glassman, Dr. William Lampley and Dr. Phil Sellers, all colleagues and longtime friends. Family members also thanked his best friends Dr. and Mrs. John Spengler and Dr. and Mrs. Edgar Baker, all the nurses who kept his practice going for so many years (Jane Ray, Sarah Putnam and the late Ada Nix Osborn) and all the other health care staff that cared for him over the years and most recently assisted him during his most difficult illnesses.
His children also recognized Margaret Suber and Blondie Gash for the kindness shown to their father during the last year, and expressed a very special thank you to Mrs. Hattie Waters and her late husband Donnie, who are considered family and who worked and cared for the Strickland's for over 30 years.
In lieu of flowers the family asked that any donations be made to the Blue Ridge Humane Society, 828-692-8374, 1214 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, in the name of Dr. and Mrs. William H. Strickland.