Dan Espey Jr.

HICKORY - Dr. Dan Espey Jr., M.D., 87, of Hickory, passed away Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, at his residence following a period of declining health. He was born July 11, 1922, in McHenry, Ky., to the late Dan Espey Sr. and May Ingraham Espey. He was a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Espey was diagnosed with tuberculosis while a medical resident in Lexington, Ky., an experience that led to his first practice as a staff physician of the Western North Carolina Sanitorium in Black Mountain, treating tuberculosis patients and spawned a lifelong interest in pulmonary disease. In 1959, he moved with his family to Hickory and established a private practice in family medicine. During his 40-year career as a physician, he deeply valued his relationships with patients and the opportunity to serve the community. In addition, during the late 1960s and early '70s, he made three tours to Vietnam to treat the civilian population as a volunteer physician with the American Medical Association's Project Vietnam. After retirement from private practice in 1989, he continued to work part time as physician on staff at the Cardiac Rehab Center of Frye Hospital, where he enjoyed working with many new and former patients. Dr. Espey was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Hickory. He enjoyed foreign travel, especially to Asia, collecting antiques, clocks and had an appreciation for old cars and sports cars. He was an avid reader and spent much of his later years relaxing at his farm/retreat outside of Hickory. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Martha King, and five children, Joel and Daniel and daughter-in-law, Debra, all of Hickory, Edward (Ned) and daughter-in-law, Josephine, of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Mary and son-in-law, Anthony, of Chappaqua, N.Y., and David and daughter-in-law, Eve, of Albuquerque, N.M. He had nine grandchildren, Lee, Emily, James, Eric, Samuel, Zeke, Nigel, Paul and Nathan, and many special nieces and nephews. The Espey family is deeply grateful to the caring services of Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, particularly Jean Rowe and Gail Jonas. A memorial service will be held at noon Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at First Presbyterian Church in Hickory, conducted by Associate Pastor Deborah A. McEachran. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley and Habitat for Humanity. Allen Mitchell Funeral Homes of Hickory is in charge of arrangements.