Dr. William E. "Sam" Reefe

1924 - 2023

Dr. William E. "Sam" Reefe

October 10, 1924 - January 24, 2023

Dr. William E. "Sam" Reefe died peacefully at home in Roanoke, Virginia on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the age of 98.

Sam was born on October 10, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska to John and Mary Reefe. Dr. Reefe received his medical degree from Georgetown University in 1949. He served in the United States Army during World War II and the Air Force during the Korean War.

In the 1960s, Sam began a long medical career with the Veterans Administration medical system and served as Assistant Chief of Medicine at a Nevada Veterans Administration facility. He also served as Chief of Rheumatology and Chief of Medicine at a Veterans Administration Hospital in the Washington, DC area, and then Chief of Medicine at the VA facility in Salem, Virginia and Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia.

In 1981, Sam became the Associate Chief of Staff for Geriatrics and Extended Care for the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Miami, Florida. He also served as a Professor of Medicine and Professor of Clinical Family Practice at the University of Miami School of Medicine. From 1983 until his retirement in 1992, Sam served as Chief of the Division of Geriatrics in the Department of Medicine at the University of Miami.

After his retirement, Sam was a very active volunteer at the Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke and truly enjoyed mentoring medical students and residents. Sam was also a very active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Roanoke.

Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Beverley Chockley Reefe; as well as his sister, Joan Heafy; his sister-in-law, Sidna Chockley Rizzo; his brother-in-law, Paul J. Rizzo; and his nephew, David P. Rizzo.

He is survived by his brother, John Reefe Jr. (Sharon) of Omaha, NE; sister, Maureen Caniglia of Iowa; his two nieces who were like daughters to him, Beverley R. Cook (Mark) and Ann L. Bingham; and many other beloved nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to give its heartfelt gratitude to Sam's caregivers over the last few years, especially Janie Fralin, Cathy Rogers, Nettie Nibblett, and Yvonne Starling. Words can never express how much your devotion and care have meant.

No visitation will be held, and a private graveside service will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bradley Free Clinic or Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service, Downtown Chapel, Roanoke (540) 982-2100.