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Dr. William H. Rachels

1926 - 2018

Dr.  William H. Rachels obituary, 1926-2018, Memphis, TN

William Rachels Obituary

Dr. William H. Rachels

Memphis, tn

God has called another member of the Greatest Generation home.

Dr. William Holland "Doc" Rachels, 92, of Memphis, retired dentist and local businessman, died January 28, 2018. Doc was a lifelong resident of Memphis. He attended Whitehaven High School, Northwestern University, and the University of North Carolina. Dr. Bill was a U.S. Navy pilot during World War II. Following the war, he graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and practiced in Memphis.

He left his dental practice and became Executive Vice-President of the National Trust Life Insurance Company, and was Chairman of the Board of Memphis Funeral Homes.

His Navy Flight Training and love of flying airplanes led him to purchase Southern Institute of Aviation in Memphis. He then was instrumental in teaching both of his sons to fly, eventually leading to their becoming commercial pilots. Two of his granddaughters also inherited his love of flying.

He worked with Governor Frank Clement to establish the first special education classroom in a public school in Tennessee (Lenox School of Memphis), which led to the establishment of the Deptartment of Mental Health in Tennessee.

He was Finance Committee Chairman of Winfield Dunn's successful campaign for Governor. Doc represented Gov. Dunn on the Commission of Higher Education. He was Chairman of the Governor's Study Committee on Economic Development, which became the Economic and Community Development Commission for the State of Tennessee.

Doc formed Behavioral Health Group, which was instrumental in establishing the Behavioral Health component of Tenncare, when it was joined with Ft. Sanders Hospital, Knoxville. His participation in government crossed party lines to advance public health.

He served as President of Lebonheur Children's Hospital. As a board member of the Memphis Rotary, he assisted in instituting their participation in the Lamar Kidney Unit. He was a board member of Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, Junior Achievement, and Young Life (Memphis). He served as a deacon and a member of the Finance and Building Committee of Second Presbyterian Church.

Doc is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Wunderlich Rachels; two sons, William Holland Rachels, Jr. (Wende) of Rockledge, FL, Scott Wunderlich Rachels (Stacy) of Brentwood, TN; a daughter, Elizabeth Holland Rachels Gilliland (David) of Eads, TN; and Six grandchildren, Erica Lynn Rachels, Kristen Holland Rachels, Scott Wunderlich Rachels, Jr. (Elizabeth), Lillian Rachels Sory (Brandon), Peter William Rachels, William Holland "Trip" Rachels, III, and Boyd Baker Rachels.

The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Rachel's caregivers during his extended illness. Special thanks are given to Linda Smith, his primary caregiver for many years, and also to Gloria Larry, Katie Smith, Debra Walls, and Janice Robinson.

The family will gather to receive friends on Saturday, February 3, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, beginning at 2:30 p.m. A Memorial and Celebration of Life Service will begin at 3:30 at Memphis Funeral Home and all are invited to a catered reception following the service in the Life Remembrance Center of Memphis Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Young Life, 658 Colonial Rd., Memphis, TN 38117, or Second Presbyterian Church, 4055 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111. Online condolences may be made at www.MemphisFuneralHome.net


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Commercial Appeal from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Rachels

Sponsored by Memphis Funeral Home - Poplar.

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6 Entries

Vicki Goodwin-Gregory

February 2, 2018

With heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Rachels. He was a joy of an employer at Behavioral Health Group and a friend of our family. Vicki Goodwin Gregory.

Margaret Lester

February 1, 2018

I am sorry to have lost touch over the past

years with Dr. Rachels and Betty. I was an employeee of National Trust and considered
them friends and supporters.Many happy timesremembered. Peace and Love--his wings again.

Maurice Elliott

January 31, 2018

Sorry to learn of the long illness and death of Billy Rachels. I enjoyed working with him in a number of community endeavors over the years.
He leaves quite an impressive resume.

FTD® Gentle Blossoms™ Basket

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Janie Smith

January 31, 2018

Such a great man who loved God, his family and his community. He will be greatly missed. Love to the family of Dr Rachels.

January 31, 2018

May your family be comforted by the God of
all comfort at this sad time of your life.
(Phillipians 4:6&7) lMN ~B'ham Al.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

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Memorial Events
for William Rachels

Feb

3

Visitation

Memphis Funeral Home - Poplar

5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119

Feb

3

Memorial Gathering

2:30 p.m.

Memphis Funeral Home - Poplar

5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119

Feb

3

Celebration of Life

3:30 p.m.

Memphis Funeral Home - Poplar

5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119

Funeral services provided by:

Memphis Funeral Home - Poplar

5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119

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