Dr. William Thomas Wright, a native of Berry, Alabama, and a resident of Mobile since 1954, died September 19, 2016, at the age of 89. Dr. Wright began his medical practice in Mobile in 1954. During his career, he held some of the highest offices in state and local medical circles. In his 40’s when elected to the presidency of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, he was one of the youngest physicians ever elected to that office. For several years, he served on the Board of Censors of M.A.S.A He was also a past president of the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians and a past president of the Medical Society of Mobile County. A Diplomat and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, he was also a past chairman of the Mobile County Board of Health, and a past chairman of the Mobile County Board of Censors.
In 1988, Dr. Wright was honored with the Samuel Buford Word Award for “outstanding service to humanity beyond professional duty” from the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.
In addition to being a leader in medical circles, he served his community as a former member of the advisory board to the medical college at USA, a former deacon and elder of Spring Hill Presbyterian Church and was one of the few non-Episcopalians ever honored with the Distinguished Service Award of the Central Gulf Coast Episcopal Diocese. That recognition came in appreciation for providing medical care and services without charge to the children of Wilmer Hall for over 27 years.
A graduate of the University of Alabama and the Medical College of Alabama, he was a charter member of the Caduceus Club, and at one time was president of the alumni association of the Medical College. Dr. Wright served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in World War II.
Besides his family and his work, Dr. Wright loved to travel and, with his wife, Bivian, saw much of the world during his lifetime. He also loved to play golf- a pastime he did not take up until he was in his 60’s - and greatly enjoyed the company of the friends he met while golfing. For many years, he collected and restored antique automobiles.
He was selected for inclusion in The 50 Most Positive Doctors in America by Mike Magee, M.D. which was, in the words of the author, a collection of “good works and grace under pressure” by “exemplary role models”. In the conclusion of his biography in the book, Dr. Wright was quoted as saying “Many doctors aren’t as close to their patients as they used to be. I think that is what builds trust. I have patients tell me every day, “I’m not only glad you’re my doctor. I’m glad you’re my friend” … and he was.
Dr. Wright was predeceased by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. David Hudson Wright of Berry, Alabama and his wife of 61 years, Bivian Trussell Wright. Dr. Wright is survived by four children, Jane Bivian Wright, Ann Wright Crumpton (David), William Thomas Wright, Jr., and David Hudson Wright of Miami, Florida. He is also survived by three grandchildren who knew him affectionately as "P'Paw": Brian Lauten (Amy) of Dallas, Texas; Dr. Wright Lauten (Anna) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and Sarah Maruszak (Jordan) of Birmingham, Alabama; along with five great-grandchildren, Charlotte Lauten and Carter Lauten of Dallas; Murphy Lauten and Lanier Lauten of Hattiesburg; and Rowan Maruszak of Birmingham. Among other relatives, he is also survived by his cousin and lifelong friend, Tom Newton (Kay) of Prattville, Alabama.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, or Wilmer Hall Children's Home.
Condolences may be offered online at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
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