Dr. William Wood Orr

1923 - 2021

Dr. William Wood Orr
April 2, 1923 - January 2, 2021
Macon, Georgia - Dr. William Wood Orr, age 97, died on January 2, 2021. Dr. Orr was born April 2, 1923 in Macon, Ga., the son of the late Birdie Wood Orr and Samuel Leonard Orr. He attended Joseph Clisby school and Lanier High School in Macon and Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. He graduated from Emory University School of Medicine in l947. He completed his internship at The Macon Hospital and his residency in Pediatrics at The Children's Hospital, Washington, D.C. He practiced Pediatrics in Macon from 1948-2001, and he kept his license for the remainder of his life.
During World War II, Dr. Orr served in the Army Specialized Training Program. He joined the Georgia Army National Guard in 1948, served as State Surgeon for 12 years, and retired as a Brigadier General in 1984. He served as Commander of the Medical Unit in the Volunteer Georgia State Defense Force until 1994.
Dr. Orr joined Vineville United Methodist Church at age 10 and sang in the Chancel Choir from its original formation until he turned 95. He loved opera and studied voice at Wesleyan College in Macon. He was Troop Committee Chairman for Boy Scout Troop 19 for ten years, a member of SAE fraternity, Chi Phi Medical Fraternity, the Macon Kiwanis club, Idle Hour Golf and Country Club, and the Macon Civic Club, and a soloist in many of the Macon Civic Club shows.
Dr. Orr was predeceased by his beloved wife of 70 years, Gloria Thornton Orr of Macon; an infant son; his brothers, Samuel L. Orr, Jr. of Macon, Ga. and Harry F. Orr of Tampa, Fl.; and his sisters, Mrs. Martha Hutcherson of Winder, Ga. and Mrs. Branch Ellis Duncan of Alexandria, Va. Survivors include his five children, their spouses, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. His children are William W. Orr, Jr. of Athens, Ga. (wife Vicki and children Sarah (Kyle), Billy (Andrea) and John); David T. Orr of Cartersville, Ga. (wife Trish and children Amanda Cook (Josh) and Chris Gilstrap); T. Edward Orr of Martinez, Ga. (wife Viviana and children Adrienne, Julia and Thomas); James A. Orr of Madison, Ga. (wife Elizabeth and children Allen (Mary Ann), Albert, and Clark); and Faye Orr of Pittsboro, N.C.
Due to Covid-19, a memorial service and visitation will not be held at this time. A private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery for the immediate family. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vineville United Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Ave. Macon, Ga., 31204, The Children's Hospital of the Medical Center of Central Ga., 777 Hemlock St. Macon, Ga., 31201, or the charity of your choice.
The family may be contacted directly through Billy Orr, 706-540-1475 or Edward Orr, 706-373-6327.
Please visit www.hartsmort.com to read full obituary and express condolences.
Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201, has charges of arrangements.