Dr. Wood S. Herren

Herren, Wood S. III, M.D., age 86, of Mountain Brook, Alabama, passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2010. He was born June 16, 1923, in Anniston, Alabama, to Wood S. Herren Jr., and Knoxye Lanning Herren. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty years, Ladye Ruth Holcomb Herren; his brother, Wade L. Herren (Vivien); his daughters, Rebecca Herren Bashinsky (Dr. Robert), Catherine Herren Nick (Lee), Gayle Herren, Ruth Herren and Alice Herren Hayes (Kevin); his grandchildren, Lisa Bashinsky (John Brassil), Rebecca Bashinsky McGowan (Dan), Robert Wood Bashinsky, Alec Barnes, Pam Barnes, Elizabeth Barnes, Conor Wood Hayes, Christine Hayes Weller(Jeff), Kevin Hayes II (Jenny); his great grandchildren, Brannon Thomas McGowan, Grayson Wood McGowan, Ariel Brassil, Gillian Brassil, Caroline Weller, Hayes Weller and Liam Hayes. Dr. Wood S. Herren was a graduate of Ramsay High School, the University of Alabama, (B.A. in 1943), and Johns Hopkins University, (M.D. in 1947). He did his residency in internal medicine at Vanderbilt University Hospital where he met his future wife. He served his country in World War II and the Korean War where he received the Bronze Star Metal. He received an honorable discharge as a Captain in the Medical Corps of the United States Army Reserve in December, 1953. His distinguished medical career includes Assistant Chief of Medicine, US Army Hospital, Yokohama, Japan (1950-1952); Acting Chief of Medicine, US Army Dispensary, Pentagon, Washington D.C. (1953); Private Practice of Internal Medicine (1953 –1987); Medical Director, South Central Bell (for 21 years, retiring in 1989); Medical Director of SONAT, (1983-1994); Associate Professor Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Alabama; Attending and Consulting Physician, Veteran Hospitals; Fellow, American College of Physicians; Diplomat, American Board of Internal Medicine, 1955; President, Birmingham Society of Internists, 1959; President, Birmingham Metabolic & Diabetes Association, 1959; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Jefferson County Medical Society, 1974; Member Board of Directors, Alabama Blue Cross Blue Shield, 1960-1963; Member, Alabama Chapter, American Heart Association; Member, Home Service Committee, American Red Cross (1960); President of Staff, St. Vincent Hospital 1963; Chairman, Executive Committee, St. Vincent Hospital, 1963-1964; Vice President, Alabama Medical Association, 1969-1971; Chairman, Blue Shield Committee, Alabama Medical Association, 1962-1963; President Alabama Society of Internal Medicine, 1963; Chief of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital, 1971-1974; President, Jefferson County Medical Society, 1975. Dr. Herren’s gentle demeanor and devotion to his patient’s care was evident to everyone he touched during a medical career that spanned over five decades. In addition to his life of serving others, Dr. Wood S. Herren was a member of Canterbury United Methodist Church, The Rotary Club, The Redstone Club and The Sons of the Revolution. He especially enjoyed and excelled in golf and tennis. His tennis accomplishments include City Junior Singles Champion, (1940) and Southern Interscholastic Champion, (1940). He was Singles Tennis Champion (1960) and Golf Senior Co-Champion (1981) at Mountain Brook Club where he served on the Board of Governors (1963). He also enjoyed frequent trips to the “beach” with family and friends for over forty years.The family expresses gratitude to his nephew, K. Wood Herren, his caregivers, the dedicated staff at Kirkwood by the River, New Beacon Hospice and his attending physicians for their loving care and concern. His passing leaves a large community of family and friends inspired by his heroism, integrity, generosity, wisdom, and wit, his care for others and his passion for life.A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 12th at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Canterbury United Methodist Church. The family will greet guests beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church parlor, which is located directly below the sanctuary. A private graveside service for the immediate family will take place on Thursday, February 11th at 1:30 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (205-879-3401), Homewood, Alabama. Online condolences can be made at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, www.alzca.org (1-205-871-7970) or to your favorite charity.