Dr. William Holland "Doc" Rachels

Dr. William Holland “Doc” Rachels, 92, of Memphis, retired dentist and local businessman, died January 28, 2018. Doc was a lifelong resident of Memphis. He attended Whitehaven High School, Northwestern University, and the University of North Carolina. Dr. Bill was a U.S. Navy pilot during World War II. Following the war, he graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and practiced in Memphis.

He left his dental practice and became Executive Vice-President of the National Trust Life Ins. Co., and was Chairman of the Board of Memphis Funeral Homes.

His Navy Flight Training and love of flying airplanes led him to purchase Southern Institute of Aviation in Memphis. He then was instrumental in teaching both of his sons to fly, eventually leading to their becoming commercial pilots. Two of his granddaughters also inherited his love of flying.

He worked with Gov. Frank Clement to establish the first special education classroom in a public school in Tennessee (Lenox School of Memphis), which led to the establishment of the Department of Mental Health in Tennessee.

He was Finance Committee Chairman of Winfield Dunn’s successful campaign for Governor. Doc represented Gov. Dunn on the Commission of Higher Education. He was Chairman of the Governor’s Study Committee on Economic Development, which became the Economic and Community Development Commission for the State of Tennessee.

Doc formed Behavioral Health Group, which was instrumental in establishing the Behavioral Health component of Tenncare, when it was joined with Ft. Sanders Hospital, Knoxville. His participation in government crossed party lines to advance public health.

He served as President of Lebonheur Children’s Hospital. As a board member of the Memphis Rotary, he assisted in instituting their participation in the Lamar Kidney Unit. He was a board member of Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, Junior Achievement, and Young Life (Memphis). He served as a deacon and a member of the Finance and Building Committee of Second Presbyterian Church.

Doc is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Wunderlich Rachels; two sons, William Holland Rachels, Jr. (Wende) of Rockledge, FL, Scott Wunderlich Rachels (Stacy) of Brentwood, TN; a daughter, Elizabeth Holland Rachels Gilliland (David) of Eads, TN; and Six grandchildren, Erica Lynn Rachels, Kristen Holland Rachels, Scott Wunderlich Rachels, Jr. (Elizabeth), Lillian Rachels Sory (Brandon), Peter William Rachels, William Holland “Trip” Rachels, III, and Boyd Baker Rachels.

The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Rachel’s caregivers during his extended illness. Special thanks are given to Linda Smith, his primary caregiver for many years, and also to Gloria Larry, Katie Smith, Debra Walls, and Janice Robinson.

The family will gather to receive friends on Saturday, February 3, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, beginning at 2:30 p.m. A Memorial and Celebration of Life Service will begin at 3:30 at Memphis Funeral Home and all are invited to a catered reception following the service in the Life Remembrance Center of Memphis Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Young Life, 658 Colonial Rd., Memphis, TN 38117, or Second Presbyterian Church, 4055 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38111. Online condolences may be made at www.MemphisFuneralHome.net