DR. WILLIAM HENRY KESSLER

WILLIAM KESSLER Obituary

KESSLER, DR. WILLIAM HENRY Dr. William Henry Kessler passed away September 5, 2012, at age 87. Bill was born on August 6, 1925, in Birmingham, where he lived his entire life. He was preceded in death by his parents, August Henry and Emma Kessler, his brother, Dr. Charles A. Kessler, and his sister, Dr. Jean K. Noxon. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann Acker Kessler; two daughters, Steadham K. McGowin (Mints) of Greenville, Alabama, and Carleton K. Ambrose of Birmingham; two grandchildren, William Kessler McGowin and Carleton Bassett McGowin; and numerous nieces and nephews. He attended Birmingham-Southern College, where he was a founding member of the Theta Chi chapter. He then attended the University of Alabama Medical School and was a member of its first graduating class, receiving his medical degree at age 21. After completing his residency at Carraway Methodist Hospital, he served as US Army Captain in the Korean War in the 101 Evac and MASH Hospital. After returning home from the war he began his practice of Internal Medicine at Norwood Clinic and went on to become Chief of Medicine there for many years. After retiring from private practice, he continued working with the Social Security Administration on disability determinations until age 80. He also spent his time playing golf with the Gravy Train and The Studs and enjoyed working in the yard with Ernest Carrington, his longtime gardener. Dr. Kessler was a member of the Country Club of Birmingham, Mountain Brook Club, Southeastern Clinical Club, Beaux Arts Krewe, The Club, Todd Liscomb's Tuesday Bible Study, and Cathedral Church of the Advent. The family appreciates the love and care given by Roxie Luck, Dianne Lambert, Donna Larriot, and Myrna Gates. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 Sixth Avenue North, B'ham 35203; New Beacon Hospice, 201 Office Park Drive, Suite 100, B'ham 35223; or a charity of your choice. The memorial service will be Friday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Cathedral Church of the Advent, with visitation following at the church. >

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Published by AL.com (Birmingham) from Sep. 5 to Sep. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM KESSLER

6 Entries

Scott Jones

July 8, 2018

I am forever thankful to Dr. William H. Kessler and his excellent skills as a Physician. He diagnosed my mother with a very rare medical condition when no one else had a clue. I have no doubt he saved my mother's life. She is still alive today and has lived long past the life expectations of someone with the disease she has. I have every confidence this miracle is attributed to Dr. Kessler's medical expertise and is what kept my mother alive all these years. She had to find a new physician to manage her after Dr. Kessler retired. I am so very sorry I never had the chance to tell you in person how much our family appreciated what you did for my mother at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in 1974. May God bless you and your family.

Jan Black

September 2, 2017

I had the honor and pleasure of working at CMMC hospital with Dr. Kessler. Dr. Kessler was a seasoned doctor who knew how to bring in the new medical techniques while not erasing older techniques which worked as well as the new. He had a vivid sense of humor and was a very kind man who was admired and loved by his co-workers. To his family, he was a wonderful MD who loved to talk about his family who he loved so much. My friend and my mentor. Hope to see him at the pearly gates when my time comes.

Jan Black

May 19, 2013

I recently found out about the passing of Dr Kessler. I had the pleasure of working with him many years at CMMC. He and my dad were only 2 days apart in age. In fact, he became a father figure to me, offering me life advice with a sense of humor. I referred to him as a 2nd dad. I know how much he loved his family, as he spoke of all of you often.His passing had to leave a void in your hearts, just as the passing of my father did in mine. I feel honored to have known and worked with him.

Tink Milnor

September 6, 2012

Anne I am thinking of you and the girls. I have so many old and good memories .love to you all.

Ernest Campbell, MD

September 6, 2012

Bill was a good friend and teacher while I was in my residency at Carraway. He was always friendly, supportive and never failed to offer his help with a difficult medical problem. The world is a better place for his having passed this way. He will surely be missed by his many friends, patients and wonderful family!

Ellen Tipton

September 6, 2012

Carlton, I'm so very sorry about your Daddy. He was so loved by so many people. My Mom shared some happy stories about him this morning from her days as a nurse at Carraway.

Peace and comfort,
Jane and Ellen Tipton

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