Dr. William "Bill" H. Parry

He graduated with a BA from Northwestern University, followed by a Masters Degree from Indiana University. His PhD in Embryology in 1965 was followed by his MD, both from Indiana University in 1967. After an internship in Pediatrics at IU, he entered the U.S. Army, completing his Pediatrics Residency at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (FAMC) in 1970 followed by a Pediatric Pulmonary Disease fellowship in 1972 (12 years before the American Board of Pediatric officially recognized the specialty).

Upon graduation, he began his practice at FAMC overseeing not only the Pediatrics Clinic but the Pediatric Pulmonary Disease Section and the Pulmonary Fellowship Program, the first program of its kind in the US Military. There, he developed a life-long interest and specialty in Cystic Fibrosis – both in the care of patients and advocacy for cure of the disease. During a 25-year career in the US Army Medical Corps, he served as Chair of Pediatrics at Brooke Army Medical Center and Hospital Commander at Forts Benning and Riley. His final military assignment was as the world-wide director of U.S. Army Ambulatory Services. He was twice awarded the Legion of Merit from the Department of Defense. His military medicine colleagues recall him as one of the best leaders they worked with during their careers.

Upon retirement in 1994, Dr. Parry became Medical Director of Outpatient Services at Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital (now CHRISTUS Children’s). On his arrival, the outpatient clinic was at the end of a gravel driveway without a handicap-accessible entrance with many opportunities for improvement. Envisioning a system of clinics in one building, he worked with Santa Rosa leadership and with Angie and Kit Goldsbury to envision and build the David Christopher Goldsbury Center for Children and Families, now serving tens of thousands of patients each year. After retiring, he continued as voluntary staff, serving as Medical Director of the Pediatric Mobile Clinic and serving on many hospital committees. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Hospital Foundation culminating in honorary Life Membership.

Dr. Parry’s wife and life-long ‘pal’ was Patty (née Patricia Ann Link). Patty was an ever-present colleague with Bill, crocheting and quilting baby blankets and making desserts for Pediatric Grand Rounds and for Children’s clinic staff (who adored her chocolate cakes). Patty passed away in 2019. He is survived by four children – Rebecca Parry, John Metcalfe, Michael Parry and Anne Seamon. Preceding him in death were four siblings, Martha, Malcolm, Aimee and Flora.

Dr. Parry dedicated his life to his abiding compassion for the health and wellness of children. As a 3rd year medical student studying to be an OB GYN, he realized that you could “think, be compassionate, and do long-term good for pediatric patients.” He reflected that “If you do good for an 80 year old, you may have 8 years [of impact]; if you do good for an 8 year old, they may [benefit for] 80 years.”

Dr. Parry had a philosophy that philanthropy could have a significant impact on the health of children whose welfare inspired him. His impact at CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital has been profound. Recognizing the critical importance of pediatric nursing in the care of children, he established the Patty Parry Endowed Nursing Chair, helping the hospital achieve Magnet Status and training dozens of nurses in subspecialties. (The nursing endowed chair at CHRISTUS Children’s is one of only a handful of endowed nursing chairs at Children’s hospitals in the U.S.) The William Parry Endowed Chair in Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine provides resources to expand and improve the care of children with pulmonary disease. Throughout his retirement, he continued to contribute to multiple programs to improve the health of children and families.

The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, November 5th at 9:00 am at the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at 11:00 am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Christus Children’s Foundation in Dr. Parry’s memory are preferred.