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B. Joseph Christian
B. Joseph Christian
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B. Christian Obituary
GREENSBORO — B. Joseph Christian, M.D. passed away peacefully on June 29, 2011 at Beacon Place, following an extended illness. "Doc" as he was affectionately known, was born in Rocky Mount in 1923, and graduated from Wake Forest College and the Bowman Gray School of Medicine. He attended Notre Dame Midshipman School and was a commissioned officer in the United States Navy during WWII.
For over 34 years, Doc had an extraordinary career as a beloved family doctor whose business in life was to know disease and how to treat it. Doc had a great love of the outdoors. He and his faithful bird dogs spent many hours hunting quail, ducks, and geese. As an avid sportsman, he participated in speed boat racing, sport fishing for marlin for over twenty years, and even won five international game fishing trophies. He was a Civil War history buff and co-founder of the Guilford Gray's musket team. A true Renaissance man, he was an accomplished musician, sculptor and humorist.
Doc loved to roam the woods and streams looking for native plants and searching for "something to find." He envisioned and developed a 21 acre bog forest (a former flood plain) into what has been described as the "Jewel in the City Park System". For twenty years he and his "bog buddies" collected and relocated over 16,000 native plant specimens to the "Bog Garden". The Bog Garden won the "Project of the Year" from the National Arbor Day Society in 1996 and its Serenity Falls Waterfall was completed in 2006.
One of Doc's favorite sayings was "Life is what you put into it...not what you take out."
Dr. Christian is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anne Bunn Christian; children, Kathryn Christian Bender, of Chapel Hill, NC, Terry Christian and husband Greg Johns of Summerfield, NC, Paula Jeanne Hodges and husband Johnny of Greensboro, NC, and Stephen Joseph Christian and wife Susan of Simpsonville, SC. His surviving grandchildren are Emily Bender, Alex Bender, Austin Johns, Anne-Christian Johns, Michael Hodges, Brian Hodges, Jeanne Hodges and Joe Christian and Will Christian. He is also survived by nephew Matt Christian and niece Cynthia Carter.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 1 at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Greensboro. The family will receive friends following the service in the church atrium.
Please direct memorials to The Bog Garden, c/o Greensboro Beautiful, P.O. Box 3136, Greensboro, NC 27402 or to Beacon Place, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Please offer condolences at www.news-record.com/obituaries/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Robyn Parsons
June 24, 2019
Joe - Looking down from your marvelous place in Heaven, I hope you can see the improvements that have been made to the Bog Garden since your departure. You were a wonderful man and friend to Jim and me during our marriage. I often speak to your former patients, and they speak so fondly of you. What a wonderful angel to have in Heaven. I miss you.
Robyn Parsons
July 15, 2011
Joe and I spent a many a day on the firing line with the Guilford Grays musket team back in the late fifties and early sixties before I left Greensboro. They don't make them like they use to. Not only was he my doctor, but above all, he was my friend. He was a real family man and I know he will be missed
Bob "Tot" Wagner Atlanta GA
Teresa Davidson
July 7, 2011
I was a patient of Dr. Christian since childhood until his retirement. It is hard to find doctors like him anymore. I liked him for his plain-speaking, humorous and just plain good bedside manner. I was sad when he retired and I had to seek out a new doctor.
My prayers an thoughts are with you at this time. Dr. Christian touched many lives here on earth with his healing knowledge and also his wonderful way of treating people personally.
July 6, 2011
Terry and Paula, I am so sorry to learn of your Father's death. Being only a Facebook friend, I don't know either of you personally. However, your raising speaks for itself in the way both of you conduct yourselves publicly and privately. Your dad had to be a great man to have raised two such positive daughters. My heart and prayers go out to you and to your entire family. May he rest in peace.
Ellen Morris
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photo taken after meeting Dr Christian & his wife , April 2010..in the Bog Gardens
lisa McEntire
July 4, 2011
Met Dr Christian as he was sitting on the park bench in the Bog Gardens with him & his wife.this past April . Was our first visit there..and the yellow marsh marigolds were in bloom and carpeting the park ground..As i came down the path..I looked up & saw him and his wife sitting there..and I looked at them...and said This place is so beautiful ,,it reminds me of what i would envision heaven to look like. A big smile appeared on Dr Christian & Mrs Christians face..Will never forget it..and the long wonderful conversation i had with them..Two of the loviliest people ive met who left and impression that will be lasting and forever stay with me.Just like the legacy of the park..He has left so many in the community and those visiting a place that provides so much solice and peace..Hoping that Dr Christian is in a place In Heaven that matches the Beauty of the Bog Gardens..What a terrible loss that he passed on..But the gardens he created will be a legacy..One i will cherish forever...Rest in Peace Dr Christian....My thoughts are with his family...Sincerely..Lisa McEntire .
Kay Ledbetter
July 4, 2011
To Dr. Joe's family,
He was such a great doctor and friend to my parents and our family. He made a house call when my nephew had a convulsion (probably 1958), he and my dad joked about Mama's garden trowel because it had been used so much it had her thumbprint. Daddy commented that the trowel should be buried with her. Dr. Joe took the trowel, promising that if he outlived her that it would be. Sure enough, when she died in 1999 he brought it to the funeral home and placed it in her casket himself. A few years before that Mama was still living in the house alone as my dad had died several years before. When I went to G'boro on Saturday she said the sump pump in the basement had been running and running and wouldn't cut off. Water was already up to the 2nd step and it had to travel a good way before even reaching the steps. We were trying to decide what to do (on a Saturday) when the dorrbell rang. I answered and poor Dr. Joe had come by just to check on Mama (probably the unluckiest day of his life). Anyway, he pulled off his socks and shoes, rolled up his britches legs and hit the basement steps. He held onto the tripper switch until the basement was pumped out and then wired it open to work until Monday when we got the pump replaced. He spent the entire afternoon there and convinced us that he enjoyed himself. I hope all the people he befriended in this life are having a wonderful time with him now.
Robyn Parsons
July 4, 2011
Dear Anne and family -
Your husband/father became known to me by his friendship with my former husband, Jim Parsons. Joe and Jim liked to go hunting together. One morning, he arrived to pick up Jim for a short hunting trip. I was standing at the kitchen window and saw the most beautiful springer spaniel running across the back yard. The dog had a cast on its back leg. I asked Joe about the dog, and he gave me the history. Joe and Jim let me keep the dog at the house while they went hunting.
My son returned from a Latin Club field trip while they were gone. I was sitting on the steps in front of the house when my son arrived home. He was so excited to see the dog and wanted to know if we could keep him. I asked my son what he would name the dog - if we could - and he said "Barney". (Even more history about the name choice) Barney did become ours, and he lived to be 16 before passing away. I will always think fondly of Joe, because he brought that dog into our lives.
The Bog Garden - what a magnificent tribute to Joe! I visited often as he was building and planting it. I still go there and honor him through prayer at his statue.
He touched my life and many, many others through what he offered. I was blessed to have known him.
May God bless you all and may HIS loving arms enfold you during this time of loss.
Robyn Parsons
Jim Brown
July 3, 2011
I think Terry said it best when she said her father truly was a Greensboro icon. He touched a great many lives through his many passsions...work and other. Those very same passions are why he will no doubt live on through all those lives that he so graciuosly touched. My best wishes to all the family.
July 3, 2011
Dear Kathy,
We are very sad to learn of your father's death. You have all our kind thoughts, and please know we are thinking of you. Fondly Susan and Rick Medalie
Kitty Keesee
July 3, 2011
Terry, my sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. I would have enjoyed meeting him and spending time in his company. He sounds like a terrific guy...clever, creative, charming and obviously committed to his community.
Delane Adkins
July 2, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I am thankful that I got to meet him and all of you (his family). His loss will be felt by all that knew him.
Delane Adkins (cj banks/christopher&banks)
C.O. Herda
July 2, 2011
Words can not express the deep sorrow in knowing Dr. Joe is no longer here to guide and counsel those that sought is wisdom. He was a generous man that asked nothing in return. The plants and trees in the Bog are surely weeping for their friend and benefactor.
Douglas Christian III
July 1, 2011
Sorry for your loss. The three brothers are together in heaven now! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Douglas L. Christian III
Wes Strickland
July 1, 2011
I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. I have very fawn memories growing up next door to Joe, Anne, Kathy and Terry. Joe was truly a very compassionate physician, neighbor and friend. He will very much be missed. Much love and prayers from Vern and Wes Strickland.
www.vmpsl.org
Renee Hill (Baber)
July 1, 2011
Dr Joe was my neighbor, and one of the most interesting and delightful people I've had the pleasure of knowing.
We lived 3 houses down, and I can still remember hearing his old blazer come roaring down the street (and if we were outside) he'd always let us hop in the back and ride with him over to the Bog (the whole ride sitting on a MOUNTAIN of bread). We'd spend hours feeding the ducks and fish, planting his new seedlings and finding as many "critters" as we could get our hands on.
We'd go back to his house for a lemonade or some of Mrs. Anne's treats, and explore the greenhouse and the basement like a cave of wonders, each plant and trinket had a story...and a good one at that.
I try to make time atleast every few weeks to amble through the Bog and always reminisce on the times I spent there with Dr Joe.
I treasured our time together because he never treated me like a little kid, but like a friend, and he's a friend that will not be forgotten.
He was a magnificent man and I am truly honored to have known him.
Leigh Champion
July 1, 2011
I'm so so sorry for your loss Steve. Losing my father is one of the hardest expereiences I have ever had to endure. My thoughts and parayers are with you and your family.
Michael Alloway
July 1, 2011
Anne and family, so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed working with him at Wachovia. As a history major it was fun to talk to him about the Civil War. He will be greatly missed in the community
July 1, 2011
We lived next door to Dr. Joe and his family for decades and I grew up with his kids. What a great gentleman he was. Never too busy to help you or to show you something he was working on or building. Most people complain therenis not enough time in a day to get things done...Joe seemed to have 48 hours to is day. What a talented man. Boy he sure loved his dogs. And he raised a bunch.
He was a doctor to us as well. Diagnosed my bursting appendix just in the nick of time. Thank you Doc.
Our hearts and love go out to you Anne and also the children Kathy
Scott Welborn
July 1, 2011
We lived next door to Dr. Joe and his family for decades and I grew up with his kids. What a great gentleman he was. Never too busy to help you or to show you something he was working on or building. Most people complain there is not enough time in a day to get things done...Joe seemed to have 48 hours to is day. What a talented man. Boy he sure loved his dogs. And he raised a bunch.
He was a doctor to us as well. Diagnosed my bursting appendix just in the nick of time. Thank you Doc.
Our hearts and love go out to you Anne and also the children Kathy, Terry, Paula Jeanne and Steve. Marilyn and i continue to ask God that you be comforted during this great loss.
joseph stewart
June 30, 2011
I am sorry for your loss, he was a great doctor, all my prayers
kathy huffine
June 30, 2011
What a great legacy the Bog Garden is to his memory and what a wonderful man. My sympathies to Anne and the family
Tom Reed
June 30, 2011
I always loved to see Dr. Christian and his wife Ann come into the club, they were always so kind and gracious and made such a great couple. They have been a great source of encouragement to me in my life. Everytime I had written a new poem I couldn't wait to share it with him. I loved to hear his deep,rich, warm voice of friendship,whether reading a dramatic poem, or telling a humourous joke that would have me laughing so hard I would be in tears. I thank God that He gave me the privilege to know and have Dr. Christian as my friend and I love him greatly.
Priscilla Hodges
June 30, 2011
Dr. Christian was such a kind caring man. He delivered our son in 1961 and our daughter in 1963. Dr. Joe came to my room and sat on the foot of my bed cross-legged and talked to me for over an hour after my delivery of my first child. I was a scared 21 year old and he knew just what to say to calm me down after 23 1/2 hours of hard labor. I will never forget his kindness and compassion for his patients. He will truly be missed by ALL who knew him.
My thoughts and prayers to his family. You are indeed blessed to have known him and I pray that your memories will comfort you in the days to come.
James Kolodziey
June 30, 2011
Growing up a few houses down, I was lucky to have spent time with Dr. Christian and his son Steve. He always took the time to show me what was new in his greenhouse and amazed me with the skills of his hunting dogs. He used to take a penny out of his pocket and let the dogs smell it, made them turn their backs and he'd just throw it out anywhere in the yard. Within a couple minutes, one of them would come running up, tail wagging and drop the penny at our feet.
Great, great guy and I'm sad to hear he's passed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bob Baber
June 30, 2011
Dr. Joe loved Boykin Spaniels.
We moved to Mistletoe Drive in 1986, and had a 1 1/2 year-old daughter soon followed by another daughter in 1987 and son in 1989.
Joe said on numerous occasions.,,"Bob, you need to get a dog for your family...and when you do, let me know and I'll get you a Boykin."
Around 1995 Joe stopped by and said "Url is going to be a daddy...he and "Happy" (Terry's boykin) are going to have a litter and I want you to pick one out for the kids."
Even though we were not in the market for a dog...how could we refuse.
When the litter was weaned we went to Terry's and picked out "Ruby Begonia" who was with us for 14 years.
Whenever Ruby "got loose" we knew where she was headed...up the street to see Url and Dr. Joe's and get some treats and chase tennis balls with Url.
Ruby almost never got the tennis ball before Url...but I can still hear Joe's big voice..."Ruby, Ruby, Ruby...you are such a pretty girl..."
Url's best trick was when Joe would say "Url...would you rather be a Carolina fan (then yelling) OR A DEAD DOG"...and Url would flop down on the floor.
Bob Baber
June 30, 2011
As neighbors, Dr. Joe and "Miss Anne" always bought anything my kids were selling for school or scouts...which was often.
The first year the girls were Brownies Miss Anne bought several boxes of thin mint girl scout cookies.
When we were delivering them, Dr. Joe answered the door and said in a whisper "Miss Anne is sleeping...meet me around the back...".
As we were not quite sure what was going on...I took the girls around the back and Joe was sitting on a step and said..."let's open a box and have a few cookies right now..."
It was around 5pm and with dinner right around the corner, I thought we would have one or two apiece...I was dead wrong.
Joe said "let's hurry up and eat the whole box before Miss Anne catches us..."...which we did.
Another memory of a man who "lived for the moment"...and left smiling memories for many.
Bob Baber
Bob Baber
June 30, 2011
As a neighbor down the street I will never forget while mowing the lawn one Saturday morning Dr. Joe pulled up in his old 4-wheeler and shouted "Come-on Bob, need your help digging up some plants, we'll only be gone an hour or so..."
I told my wife (and three young children) I'd be back "in an hour or so"...as we had a full day scheduled.
I knew I was in trouble when it took over an hour to get to the "dig."
4 1/2 hours later he dropped me off at my house...sweaty, covered in mud and feeling a bit snookered, but all for a good cause.
Bob Baber
Becky Bell
June 30, 2011
Dr Joe was a loved man,by me and all of my family.He gave me beautiful plants to plant in my garden and trees, one of them he called the" peanut butter", tree,they are all growing beautifully.He was a wonderful and loving man,whom we will remember always.I have wonderful memories of him growing up,I used to wish he was my Dad.God Speed Dr.Joe.
June 30, 2011
A father's love is a special gift that will live forever in the hearts of his children. As you keep your father's love in your heart, please know warm thoughts of support and caring are with you, now, and in the days to come. My deepest sympathy to Terry, Steve, and the entire Christian Family.
Love Elesa Brandenburg Dillon
Mary House
June 30, 2011
Dr BJ was our family's life line for so many years. I remember him when he first came to work with Dr. Thomas. He was such a caring man and always remembered who you were even if it had been fifty years since he had seen you. He will be missed by our family. Our thoughts and prayers for his family. Rest in peace Dr. BJ, you deserve it. Alex Gray, Mary Lou Gray House
Annette Cates Tilley
June 30, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Shirley Poff Stout
June 30, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Doc was our family Doctor for many years. He was a good man, a great Doctor and he would take the time to listen and talk with you. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
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