William Mims Allums, M.D.
SHREVEPORT, LA - On June 28, 2014, William Mims Allums, Sr. quietly and peacefully passed away in his sleep at home and surrounded by loved ones. He was born on September 26, 1920, in Ringgold, Louisiana, to Dr. William Benjamin Allums and Grace Graham Mims Allums. He attended Allen Parish schools and was home schooled in New York City in 1928. He attended Barret Street School where he was a member of the harmonica band; C.E. Byrd High School where he was a member of the Debate Team and where he also became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana with a BS degree in August 1941. He was enrolled in Tulane University Medical School when Pearl Harbor was attacked, enlisted in the Naval Reserves in March 1942 and graduated February 12, 1944. He was called to active duty as a Lieutenant Junior Grade at the United States Naval Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina where he served from 1946 to 1948.
He interned and had his residencies in Shreveport at the Charity Hospital. He practiced internal medicine with Dr. Marion Hargrove, Sr. and William Hall, Sr. for ten years and then in partnership with Dr. Dan Earle Russell until he retired in 2007, after sixty-one years.
Dr. Allums served as President of the Shreveport Medical Society in 1972; and the Louisiana Society of Internal Medicine in 1973. He was awarded the American College of Physicians Laureate Award for Louisiana in March 2003. He was a member of the American Society of Internal Medicine, a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He was affiliated with Schumpert, Physicians and Surgeons, Fairfield and Doctor's Hospitals and Willis-Knighton Health Care System. He also taught Internal Medicine as a Lecturer at LSU Medical School when it first opened in Shreveport.
Dr. Allums was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William Benjamin Allums and Grace Graham Mims Allums; his sister, Mary Elizabeth Allums, and his first wife Barbara Bennett Johnston Allums, and second wife Margaret Biggs Moss Allums, and son William Mims Allums, Jr. He is survived by his son Johnston Lyon Allums of Dallas, daughter Betsy Allums Widhalm of Natchitoches and her husband, Patrick Widhalm; and his son Reverend Robert Marion Allums of Chicago and his wife, Helen Gates Allums and grandchildren Kathryn Anne Widhalm, Mary Elizabeth Widhalm, Robert Benjamin Allums and wife Jennifer, Lydia Erin Leggett and husband Aaron and Mary Emily Allums. He is also survived by step-sons Dr. Samuel Riley Moss and wife, Michelle and Robert Biggs Moss and wife, Linda of Lafayette, Louisiana, and step-daughter Molly Moss Stautzenberger and husband, Duane (Dooney) of Shreveport and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Honoring Dr. Allums as pallbearers will be Daniel Robert Harris of Shreveport, Robert Benjamin Allums of Plainfield, Illinois, Patrick Robert Widhalm of Natchitoches, Lloyd Stanley Knotts of Shreveport, John Lamar Gresham of Shreveport, Dr. Charles "Chuck" Knight of Shreveport and Dr. John Underwood of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Serving as Honorary pallbearers will be J. Bennett Johnston, Jr., of Washington, D. C., Dr. Eugene St. Martin of Shreveport, Dr. Richard "Dick" Langford of Shreveport, Thomas "Tom" Gresham of Shreveport, Dr. John Lochridge of Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Arthur Fort of Shreveport, Michael Dennis Posey of Shreveport, Members of the Couples Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church of Shreveport, Members of the Shreveport Stock Syndicate.
Dr. Allums, affectionately called "Billy Mims," was loved by many. His love of life and his love of his patients and the practice of medicine were contagious. He loved the challenging medical case which caused him to become a "medical detective" and collect clues to cure the patient's malady. He used to say, "If you listen to people long enough, they will eventually tell you what is wrong with them. But you have to listen."
He also loved his family, his friends, and his patients. He enjoyed investing, politics, travel, golf and had a lifelong-passion for railroads. He died with hope believing in God's promises and looking forward to the life to come. He did not suffer and had time to say good-bye to family and friends and make arrangements. His mind was clear and lucid and his sense of humor completely intact to the very last.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Frost Chapel, 543 Ockley Dr., Shreveport, on Thursday July 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery, St. Vincent Ave. Officiating will be Dr. Jeff Raines. Visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall St., Shreveport, Louisiana 71101 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2014.
The family suggests memorials may be made to "A Praying Life Ministries" in care of See Jesus Ministries, P. O. Box 197, Telford, Pennsylvania 18969.
Dr. Allums wishes to give a special thanks to the three special people who took such good care of him in his last days, Barbara Brock, Melinda Williams and Wanda Whitehurst.
"He was a man, Horatio. We shall not see the likes of him again."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by John Allums.
Good friend of John.
Barbara Klucarich
Friend
June 25, 2021
My dear John
Another loss for us.
My heart to yours.
Your heart felt message for Steven will never be forgotten.
With fondest memories.
Barb Klucarich Campbell
[email protected]
Plrase contact
Barbara Klucarich Campbell
September 18, 2014
Dr. Allums and his family were long-time friends of our family in Shreveport. Dr. Allums went to Byrd and Centenary with my parents, Jack and Faye Dozier, and was my mother's physician. He was a sweet, caring, honorable man of great integrity with a good sense of humor. He shall be greatly missed.
Suszanne Dozier-Briseno
July 13, 2014
Dr. Allums was my father's fraternity brother at Centenary and later his doctor. He drove to Dallas and spoke at the dedication of the Thomas Winship Richardson Grove, a park on the Trinity River in Irving, Texas when it was dedicated about ten years ago. His message was humorous and his presence was irreplaceable, as he was the only lifetime friend of my father to attend. I had lunch with Bill after my mother, Dorothy Kelly Richardson, died last November, and again this spring when I was in town. He was a pleasure to be with, for friends of any age. When my mother died, and now, I found it hard to accept that the book is now closed, the curtains drawn, and all the memories of my parents' lives that I had taken for granted will not fully be appreciated by my children or anyone else. Bill was a link to my parents. I am sorry that I wasn't there for the funeral. I will really miss him.
Thomas W. Richardson, Jr.
Thomas Richardson
July 11, 2014
John, I am very sad to hear of the passing of your Dad because I know how much you will miss him. The tribute in his obituary is so touching and full of love. It shows that he was a wonderful man who lived to serve and love others and truly made a positive difference in thousands of lives. How blessed a person must be to have known him. Most important of all, it is clear, that he was a christian man who now lives in the presence of God. I know God will give you and your family comfort and strength and replace tears with smiles each and every day. In Christian love, Carole
Carole
July 7, 2014
To the family, Luke 20:38 assures us that your loved one is in God's memory. Please find comfort in that hope.
S. Hill
July 4, 2014
John and Family,
Your Father was and will always be so very special. A trooper to the end, has found his heavenly reward. Grace to you all in this time of departure.
Diane Long
July 3, 2014
I worked for Allums, Russell, & Underwood for many happy years. I will always remember Dr. Allums smile,sense of humor, and wonderful personality. He and his entire staff attended my wedding My prayers are with his family at the great loss of an amazing man.
Jo Pyles Mcdonald
July 3, 2014
Dr. Allums was my father's doctor for several years until my dad's passing. Dr. Allums was always so kind and caring, and I will always have fond memories of him. Prayers for comfort and strength during this time.
Angela Scheich
July 2, 2014
Dr. Allums was my Mom's doctor. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful doctor. I still remember the day he had to come into the hospital room and tell my Mom she had cancer. I know loved his patients because he was in tears when he told her. One of the best doctors I have ever known and probably will ever know. He was always sharing Aggie jokes with me every time I took my Mom in to see him. He was truly a man of God and he expressed that in his practice. I am very sorry for your loss.
Angela McNicoll
July 2, 2014
Betsy,John and Bob
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. God sent Dr. Allums here on a mission. He was a father,a veteran,husband,and a M.D. Bill(BA) had told me that your father stayed in practice for so long because of his passion to help people. And we will always remember his wonderful sense of humor. You do have the comfort of knowing that he lived a long well-lived life. When The Lord calls loved ones home, he leaves a gift of wonderful memories.
Sincerely yours, Debbie Phillips and Cody
Debbie Phillips
July 2, 2014
Jud and Mary Drewry send love and peace to you and your entire family on the loss of your loved one, Bill. We loved him too. He called Jud and spoke to us many times. He was a beloved friend. We will surely miss him!!!
Mary & Jud Drewry
July 1, 2014
Dear Bob and Helen,
I grieve with you and your family as your Dad leaves you for eternity with Jesus. Dava Colcord
July 1, 2014
Betsy,
Sorry to hear about your father's passing. We lost out Mother back in November. These times are hard, but always remember the love our parents bestowed on us. Also, hard to believe it;s been forty years since the days at FBCHS.
Robert Hendrick
July 1, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Bill was sweet man with a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
Claude and Caroline Tait
July 1, 2014
Dear Family,
My days as minister of music at First Baptist Church Shreveport were enriched because of knowing Dr. Allums. He was a strong supporter of the music ministry and a marvelous human being. How appropriate the ending of the obituary:
"He was a man, Horatio. We shall not see the likes of him again."
Grace and peace,
Randy LeBlanc
Randy LeBlanc
July 1, 2014
Betsy, so sorry about your Daddy, I lost mine 23 years ago and very recently my mom too and it is never easy, but we can be assured they are all having a BIG reunion in Heaven and we will see them all again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and always.
David and Susan Sproull Ewing
July 1, 2014
Bob and Helen,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that your unwavering faith will give you peace through this time. I can see how you became the man you are through the love of your father.
May the Lord keep you all lifted in His hands.
Much love,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Seward
July 1, 2014
Jeanne and Richard Liles
July 1, 2014
There will never be another like Dr. Allums! I'm 75, & started going to him at age 17. He was compassionate & caring, especially for the underdog in life. There are not enough words to describe the goodness in this man, & the impact he had on my life!
Patti McCrory
July 1, 2014
John and the Allums family: I'm so sorry for your loss, but happy he lived a long and full life with a loving family!
Paula O'Neal
July 1, 2014
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Dr. William Mims Allums our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Dr. Allums. And to Dr. Allums it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during WW-II while serving as a medical doctor in the U.S. Navy. Dr. Allums, we commend you for your honorable service. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true friend. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Dr. Allums' family and loved ones.
Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
James Mazariz, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud
July 1, 2014
John,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Y'all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie Scholz Lewis
June 30, 2014
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Funeral services provided by:
Rose-Neath Funeral Home - Shreveport1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
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