William Joseph Block, Jr. M.D.

William Joseph Block, Jr., M.D. went to be with the Lord on August 20, 2007. Born to Irene McNelly Block and William Joseph Block, Sr., on October 3, 1921, in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Block was survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Margaret Whisenant Block, his children: Patricia Smith David, Kathy Collins, Martha Block, Sharon Block, William Block III, Michael Block, Paige Saunders, Donald Saunders, Margaret Hinshaw Ken; grandchildren: William Atwood Brooks, III, Christopher Collins, Jessica Collins, Kaleb Collins, Brianna Franke Larry, Maggie McGovern and Daniel McGovern. He was preceded in death by his first wife Margaret Patricia O'Daniel, his parents Irene and William, his sister, Mary Irene Leisering and his daughter, Susan Block.

After graduating from St. Mary's University, Bill attended the University of Texas at Galveston Medical School where he studied Internal Medicine and Cardiology. After graduation, he interned at the Robert B. Green Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Upon completing his internship, he served his country during World War II as a First Lieutenant, and as the Chief of Medicine at Hickam Field Hospital. Upon discharge from military service, he completed his residency at the Boston City Hospital Harvard Service and the Mayo Clinic, after which time he returned to San Antonio. He entered private practice in Cardiology and Internal Medicine. He practiced medicine for 52 years at the Nix Medical Center in downtown San Antonio, where he also served as the Chief of Staff.

Bill was very involved in the professional and medical fields and served as President of the following organizations: San Antonio Club of Internal Medicine, Texas Academy of Internal Medicine, Texas Heart Association, Southwest Texas Heart Association, Texas Club of Cardiologists, Governor for the State of Texas for the American College of Cardiology, Member of the Board of Trustees for the American College of Cardiology, and Founding Member for the Texas Club of Cardiologists.

Dr. Block pioneered heart catheterization in San Antonio between 1954 and 1955 at the Santa Rosa Hospital and the Robert B. Green Hospital, where he also served as founder and director of the Cardiac Cath Labs. He was chairman of the division of Pediatric Cardiology at Santa Rosa Children's Hospital, and chairman of the division of Cardiology at Santa Rosa Hospital. Bill served on the following staff appointments: Clinical Professor of Medicine for the UTHSC San Antonio, Consultant to the Surgeon General consulting for Brooke Army Medical Center, past chairman of the department of Cardiology at the Robert B. Green Hospital, and he was an honoree in Cardiology for the American Heart Association.

Other community involvement includes: Downtown Rotary Club member 52 years, German Club of San Antonio, Order of the Alamo, Texas Cavaliers, San Antonio Country Club, and Argyle Club of San Antonio.

As a native Texan, Bill was always proud of his heritage as he was a descendant of the legendary Texas Ranger, Captain Leander McNelly. He was a devout Catholic and a dedicated father. In fact, it is the unanimous opinion of the Block children that their father was "the greatest." He always greeted them with a smile, was never too busy to listen to their problems, was always cheerful and enjoyed teasing and sharing in their jokes. He seldom ran out of patience, and was "kind and warm at all times."

He will truly be missed.

Pallbearers are Michael A. Block, William A. Brooks III, Christopher Collins, Kaleb Collins, David Smith, Carlos Moreno, Ricky Harper and Michael Harper. Honorary Pallbearers are William J. Block III, David Digby, Harry Burns, Ed R. Frnka, Phil Bakke, Joey Satel, Dr. Cornelius Nau, Dr. Spencer A. Rowland, David Carter and Freddie Cervera III.

In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be made to Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, Junior League of San Antonio, Inc., Southwest Research Foundation, The American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice. Interment in Mission Burial Park South.