Dr. Benton Sapp Satterfield

He was in medical practice for over 47 years – and loved every minute of it. He reluctantly retired in 2013, after delivering more than 5,000 babies. He could hardly go anywhere in the Triangle Area without running into his patients or children he delivered. He was delighted whenever patients spoke to him and was known for his big bear hugs that left the lingering scent of Old Spice aftershave. Doc B – as he was known by those who loved him – has been said by many to be one of the kindest men they have ever met, with the most genuine bedside manners of any physician, and the last of the true Southern gentleman. He always had a listening ear and a caring demeanor and was incredibly appreciative for even the smallest of gestures. Doc B was deeply loyal and passionate about everything NC State – red was definitely his favorite color. He loved hunting, God and Edenton Street United Methodist Church - but he was never happier than when surrounded by his family.

A native of Raleigh – and the son of G. Howard and Aleece Satterfield, he graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School (1954), then NC State University (1958), and then Duke University Medical School in 1962 (though he still pulled for NCSU over Duke) and completed his residency at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-1968.

Emma Garnett Hix was the love of his life. He met and married her while in residency at MCV and he was her rock for 52 years. His five children meant the world to him – and he also treated his four daughter-in-laws and his son-in-law as if they were also his own flesh-and-blood. He was thrilled with the birth of all of his 13 grandchildren – and was a comforting resource for all those new mothers. Many grandbabies slept comfortably on his broad chest, and he and Emma Garnett attended and enjoyed countless school events, as well as soccer, baseball and basketball games, plays and even swim meets!

To Doc B, the greatest gift of all was for he and Emma Garnett to be surrounded by his children and grandchildren - Benton, Jr. and his wife Beth of Cary; and their children Benton, III, Shaw, Carter and Walker; Dr. Robert (Bob) and his wife Jessica of Wilson; and their children Emma Townsend and Daniel; Carson Satterfield and her husband David Askew of Raleigh; and their children Coley and Dylan; Dr. Bill and his wife Vera of Winston-Salem; and their children Emma Stuart, Harper and Harrison; Bart and his wife Judy of Greenville, NC and their children Katie and Thomas. As well as their exchange student and "adopted daughter" Olga-Lucia Herrera from Colombia, South America, and now of Spokane, WA.

He also has many nieces and nephews all of whom he treated as if they were his own children. He was pre-deceased by his brother Dr. Howard Satterfield (OB/GYN).

Doc B was the kind of father and friend we would all hope to have and be. His generous and gentle nature, and deep appreciation for life, will live on in our hearts and memories forever.

The family expresses thanks to Doc B's caregiver for the past year - Peggy King. She also was charmed by Doc B – and the feeling was mutual. He was grateful for her help, especially for making it possible for him to make trips to his beloved beach house at Ocean Isle Beach, to the Rex Wellness Center and for some of his basic necessities of life – coffee with lots of creamer and friendship.

A Celebration of Doc B's life will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Visitation will immediately follow the service in Kerr Fellowship Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the G. Howard Satterfield Scholarship in Chemistry at NCSU (NC State College of Sciences Foundation, Campus Box 8118, Raleigh, NC 27695), Edenton Street UMC (228 West Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603), or The American Red Cross of the Triangle (100 N Peartree Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610).

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.