Dr. Hal Thompson Weathersby, 98, Emeritus Professor of Anatomy at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, passed away peacefully from natural causes in his sleep at home on March 11, 2012. Born in Pineville, LA. Feb. 17, 1914 he received a B.A. Degree from LA. College where he participated in all 4 major sports, so successfully that he was later inducted in that institution’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Receiving 12 letters for these sports was astounding since he was only 15 years of age when he entered college and graduated at 19. Following a year of study at L.S.U. and receiving a M.S. Degree, he returned to LA. College for the next 10 years as a member of the Biology Dept. and Assistant Athletic Coach. In 1949 with his connection with the Dept. of Anatomy of Tulane Medical School he completed the first year of Medical School. A unique program at Tulane enabled him to drop out of the Medical curriculum, pursue advanced studies and research, all within the Medical School’s Dept. of Anatomy. After 3 years he was granted his Doctorate in the Basic Medical Sciences and immediately became a faculty member of the Tulane Medical School’s Dept. of Anatomy. In 1953 “Dr. Hal” was offered and accepted a position in the Anatomy Dept. of then struggling Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. For the next 28 years he saw the institution become an integral and outstanding part of the University of Texas System. He was known more as a teacher than a researcher. For 16 years he was selected by the students as their most outstanding Professor. The Southwestern yearbook was dedicated to him in 1963, the first time a yearbook had ever been dedicated to a Professor. He served as President of the Texas State Anatomical Board for 4 years. He was most proud to receive the Piper Foundation of San Antonio Award as being one of 10 outstanding Teachers in Texas. In 1975 he was selected as “Outstanding Educator in America” by Fuller and Dees. His publications consisted primarily of studies of abnormal variations of human arteries and veins. An electomyographic study of muscles received national attention. He was not only a great Professor and Highland Baptist Church member of 59 years where he served as a Deacon and held many Chairmanship Deacon and Committee positions but also gave much time and effort to his civic responsibilities. He was selected the Outstanding Kiwanian by the members of North Dallas-Park Cities Kiwanis Club. He was a multi-talented individual. He was an outstanding College Athlete. His ability to impart anatomical knowledge was appreciated by some 5,000 medical students. As a Biblical Scholar, he taught Bible Classes for 56 consecutive years at Highland Baptist until his eye sight deteriorated. During his leisure time he became a connoisseur, collector and lecturer on antique art glass. Dr. Weathersby retired in 1980. He and his wife traveled extensively through China, Russia, Israel, and multiple trips to Eastern and Western Europe, taking them to most countries on that continent. Dr. Hal M. Weathersby and Matalee Thompson Weathersby, parents, Dr. Scott M. Weathersby, brother and Rose W. Norman, sister all have predeceased him. Marrying his High School sweetheart in 1933, his treasured and beloved wife of 66 years passed away in 1999 of Alzheimer’s disease. His request is any memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association for Research to find a cure. He leaves a very small but extremely proud family, daughter Genie Chappell and husband Jim of Dallas. The light of his life granddaughter Deanie Beavers and husband Dusty and his most beloved great grandchildren, Mackenzie Lee Beavers, Briggs Chappell Beavers and Brody Thompson Beavers all of Ruidoso, N.M. Also a 100 year old sister-in-law and 3 nephews as well as his faithful dog Sparky. A very special thank you is extended to the fine Doctors who were once his students and became so instrumental in maintaining his long and healthy life, Dr. Craig Bolton, Dr. Byron Brown and Dr. Michael McCullough, also Dr. Azim Anwar and Dr. Robert Rosenthal for keeping the heart strong until the last beat. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March, 17th at Hillcrest Memorial Park, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church, 8202 Boedeker. All are invited to each service. A visitation and reception will follow at the church.
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