William Edgar Metzger Jr.

WILLIAM EDGAR ‘Bill’ METZGER, JR., 76, family physician of Memphis, passed away Friday, November 2, 2007. A native Memphian, Dr. Metzger received his undergraduate degree from Southwestern (Rhodes College) in Memphis. He graduated from the University of Tennessee Medical School in 1954, and served a rotating internship in Shreveport, LA and began practice in Hamilton, AL. Dr. Metzger moved to Memphis in 1966 and, along with Dr. James Moore, formed the practice now known as The Family Physicians Group, P. C. He became a charter member of The American Board of Family Practice in 1970. He was a past president of the Memphis and Shelby County Academy of Family Practice and past chairman of the Blue Cross Blue Shield IPA Board, and was a long-time and active member of the Memphis Rotary Club. He served as president of the Family Physician Group, P. C. from September 2001 to September 2003. Dr. Metzger was a member of Idlewild Presbyterian Church, where he was a deacon and served various committees. Dr. Metzger was preceded in death by his parents, Wm. Edgar Metzger, Sr. and Eloise Roper Metzger; and by his elder son, William Edgar ‘Bill’ Metzger, III. He is survived by his bride of 52 years, Ann Garrecht Metzger; their son, Dr. Clark Stephen Metzger and his wife, Malinda of Pensacola Beach, FL; their daughter, Margaret Metzger “Peg” McNaughton and her husband, Edward ‘Ned’ of Charlotte, NC; their daughter, Elizabeth Metzger Vandeven of Cabot, AR; fifteen grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. In his free time Dr. Metzger enjoyed fishing, golf, good cuisine, playing with his grandchildren and spending time at “Metzgers’ Current Therapy”, the family home on Pickwick Lake. He loved nature and developed a passion for birdwatching, particularly goldfinches, that made him a legend within his family. His compassion and concern for his patients throughout his career is outshone only by the love he bestowed upon his family, who will miss him terribly. A memorial service will be held at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, Saturday, November 10 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Church Health Center, Idlewild Presbyterian Church, or the donor’s favorite charity. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400