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Dr. Harry Jack Metropol
1929 - 2016
Dr. Harry Jack Metropol
1929 - 2016
Obituary
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Harry Metropol Obituary
COLUMBIA Harry Jack Metropol, M.D., 86, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 27, 2016.
He was born on November 20, 1929 in Manning, S.C., to Central Coffee Shop proprietors, Jack George Metropol and Jennie Vaka Metropol, both natives of Skoura, Greece. He graduated Manning High School as Class Valedictorian in 1949. Harry completed his undergraduate education at Duke University in 3 years. Honors received included Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to complete his medical degree at Duke in 1956. While in medical school he met and married Phyllis Constantinides, a bacteriology graduate student at the rival campus of UNC.
After graduation, he completed his internship at Albany Medical Center and entered military service as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, serving for 2 years. Subsequently, he was appointed to a surgery residency at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. After his residency, Harry opened up a private practice in thoracic and general surgery in Columbia, to be near his beloved family in Manning. During over 40 years of practice in Columbia, he served the community as Chief of Staff of Providence Hospital, as well as being on the boards for Providence, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina and Three Rivers Health Service Agency. He also served as the Chief of Surgery of Baptist Medical Center for 12 years.
Harry was proud of his Spartan heritage. He also enjoyed many hobbies, including collecting all manner of movies, gardening and travel. He was a highly competitive board game player. In later years, he enjoyed keeping in touch with classmates and friends via email, organizing class reunions for his high school class and writing his autobiography. His passion was for traveling the world, through Europe, Asia, North America and South America, whether by plane, train or ship.
Harry was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Phyllis; his parents; his brothers, George and James; and his sister, Helen, all of Manning. Surviving him are his sons, John H. Metropol (Mary) and Stephen H. Metropol (Rebekah) of Columbia, S.C.; a daughter, Jeanne M. Haight (Rick) of Hilton Head Island, S.C.; a godson, Arthur P. Bambalis of Charlottesville, Va.; nine grandchildren, Elizabeth, Harry (JoAnn), Emily, Alexandra (Nick), Phyllis, Nick, Ehrick, Gabby and James; one great-granddaughter, Aida; and loyal, compassionate companion of three years, Denise Sally VanPutten.
The family will receive visitors from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2016, with Trisagion Prayers recited at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbia.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, with interment at 4:00 p.m. in the family plot in Manning Cemetery, Manning, S.C.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1931 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Becca Reaves
June 9, 2016
Harry. Where to start? From our first conversation to our last you always made me smile. You were a true joy to work with. The excitement in your voice as you planned your next cruise set my mood for the day. It was contagious. Hearing of your passing left an emptiness in my heart that will take some time to heal. I will miss the travel stories of Denise "Sally" and yourself galavanting all over the World to new sites and those you have seen many times before yet wanted to do it again so you could see the excitement in her eyes as you knew how wonderful it was for you the first time you saw the beauty in another part of the world. This was your happiness. Capturing the 'first wow' moment on anothers face. You will never be forgotten and I will dedicate every "WOW" moment to you. We should all be so lucky. :)
You definitley did it your way.
xoxo,
Becca Reaves
Cruises.com
Denise Sally Van Putten
June 9, 2016
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Gerald Wilson
June 6, 2016
I have known Dr Metropol since my surgery residency at Richland Memorial Hospital in the 1970's. I have appreciated his wisdom, knowledge and willingness to assist in the training of surgeons in that program. He will be missed but his contributions will continue to help others.
Gerald Wilson, MD
Sam Friedman
June 6, 2016
I have had the privilege of coming to know many fine physicians in my 26 years as part of the Columbia medical community. Among them, Harry stood out as one of the finest of gentleman among us, kind to all he met. He will be dearly missed.
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Madison and Dr. Harry
Sabrina Van Putten-Thomas
June 6, 2016
Dr. Harry will be missed! Thank you for being a part of my mothers life. Madison is truly heartbroken. She thought of you as her second grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers to your entire family.
Madison & Dr. Harry SC State fair
Sabrina Van Putten-Thomas
June 6, 2016
Sallie Ruff Marcil
June 6, 2016
In 1987 Dr Metropol was my surgeon for removing my spleen. He was very kind man and easy to talk with about the surgery before and after. About 19 years before he removed my brothers spleen in emergency surgery.
June 6, 2016
Dr. Metropol,
Although I did not know your father, what a wonderful legacy he has left behind in his children and grandchildren. I know how very proud he must have been of you and the impact that you have had on many lives, including mine. Please know that you and your family, as well as your extended family, are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Courtney Daniels
Weiden, Germany
Leona Moten
June 5, 2016
What a rich life and legacy! The world is a much better place because he walked among us. May the memories of happy times help sustain the family at this very difficult time.
Robert Mayo Failing, MD (Duke MD Class 1956)
June 5, 2016
Harry, you'll be missed at our sixtieth!
June 5, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers to the entire family. I will miss him. He was always dependable and reliable, an admirable colleague and surgeon, but most of all a good friend.
Joe and Kathy Sheppe (Columbia,SC)
Leigh D. Soufas
June 3, 2016
Truly saddened to learn of Uncle Harry's falling asleep while I was on vacation from Columbia...he was the epitome of THE MEDICAL DOCTOR for all generations and time, in my humble opinion! We will miss him, but always remember his compassion and kindness in the years ahead: MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL! +
Leigh D. Soufas (for the Charles Soufas Family)
SarahVann Bonds
June 3, 2016
My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. I will never forget Dr. Harry at the legacy event at Palmetto Health a couple of years ago. He was full of life and had me laughing. I know he will be missed by many. I am grateful for his dedication to the midlands community and for rearing children to walk in his shoes.
Christina Massiala-Vaka
June 2, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the Metropol family. Georgios remembers cousin Harry's visit to Skoura back in the 1960s with fond memories. I will remember the time we spent in the Caribbean and having the opportunity to meet most of the Metropol family during my stay in SC. RIP -- Cousin Harry--- Christina and Georgios Vakas, New Windsor, New York
June 2, 2016
Neill and I are so sorry to learn of Harry's passing. What a wonderful, smart and unique person he was. A great neighbor, friend and my most enjoyable and knowledgeable gardening companion! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We share in your sorrow.
Love, Karen & Neill Bultman
June 1, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Dr. Metropol was a wonderful man. May his memory be eternal.
Anthony and Irene Zalants
Jeff Brooker, MD
June 1, 2016
To Steve and all Harry's Family:
Harry was a shining example of a smart, industrious child of immigrants who succeeded with honors in SC and the USA in general and married a woman whose background helped them form their strong union and family with over 50 years together. Tony Blair is credited with, A simple way to look at a country is to look at how many want in and how many want out. I believe Harry, though a highly travelled individual, was centrally an American, a surgeon and a person who enjoyed life and helped make it better for others.
Mrs. Brooker and I extend condolences to all Harry's family at this time of sorrow at his demise. We wish for you that memories of many happy times together as a family will serve to soften the grief that must pervade presently.
John lauver
June 1, 2016
Please accept our sympathies for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with Harry in the doctor's lounge, he was never at a loss for words! He left a long legacy of service to the community of Columbia.
Gail Rhymer
June 1, 2016
Dr. Metropol
I am so very sorry to hear of your father's passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Although I did not know him, it is obvious that he was a very special man to everyone.
Gail Rhymer
Dimitra Constantarogianni
June 1, 2016
To the Metropol family,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss,our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. He will forever be missed. Dimitra Constantarogianni and staff of Hotel "Sparta Inn".
Lynn Goff
May 31, 2016
My love and prayers to you during your time of sorrow. Dr. Harry was a great man with a kind heart. I loved him and I will miss dearly as will many others. With Love, Lynn Goff
Suzie Howard
May 31, 2016
To the Metropol family,
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers to you all.
Suzie Howard
May 31, 2016
Harry is in some of my favorite memories. Know that the mark he left is a great one, and because of this he'll never really be gone. My deepest condolences to you during this time. Steven you have made your father very proud. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.
Dr. Melton Stuckey
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3926 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205
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