Dr. William Graham Painter, Jr.
1919 - 2011
Dr. William Graham Painter, Jr.
1919 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
Dr. William Painter, Jr. Obituary
Devoted husband, loving father, charismatic grandfather and a magnificent storyteller, the memory of his unique spirit will be treasured by his family and friends. He was certainly unforgettable to all who knew him and especially the hundreds of families he cared for through his more than 40 years in medical practice.
He was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Dorothy Broadwater Painter, parents Dr. William G. and Laura Kelly Painter, sisters Kit, Bobbie and Tazie, and brother Jimmy.
He will be deeply missed by his family, his sister Ann Lowell, brother-in-law Bruce Lowell, two sons William G. Painter, III and James Painter, his daughter Elizabeth Painter, his daughter-in-law Kathy Painter, his two grand-daughters Kierstan Schwab and Emily McFarlane and three beautiful great-granddaughters.
Dr. Painter was born on March 4, 1919 and raised in Big Stone Gap, Va. In 1938, after graduating from high school, he left his hometown in the mountains and enrolled at Hampton-Sidney College. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1942. He returned to that coal-mining town in Southwest Virginia to marry Dorothy Broadwater in 1943. After his wedding, he attended the Medical College of Virginia, where he graduated in 1945 in the Army Specialized Training Program. Dr. Painter served an internship at Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, La. He served two years in the Army Air Force, serving as an army doctor at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Fl.
Following his military service, Dr. Painter established a medical practice in 1948 in the beautiful hamlet of Mount Sidney and began his family there . Dr. Painter was the quintessential country doctor attending to home births and seeing patients throughout the region. In 1954, Dr. Painter started Fort Defiance Medical Center with Dr. Samuel Carter. They were kindred spirits who enjoyed telling stories, fishing, being outdoors and raising their children. During Dr. Painter's years of medical practice, he also served as county coroner and physician to cadets at Augusta Military Academy. Until their retirements, Dr. Painter and Dr. Carter practiced family medicine in Fort Defiance with Dr. Michael Hanna and Dr. Mary O'Brien. If success can be measured by the number of cakes, cookies and confections that Dr. Painter's patients brought him at Christmastime, he was clearly loved by the people he served.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah Valley, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, VA 22939. Also, memorial donations can be made in Dr. Painter's name to Hampton-Sidney College, 1 College Road, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943.
Arrangements under the direction of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes Staunton Chapel, Staunton, VA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 18, 2011
Our sincere sympathy and condolences to the family of Dr. William G. Painter, He was my Physician beginning in 1957 until his retirement, He delivered 2 of my three children, he then became their physician. I have not found a Doctor of his character since. He was very committed and dedicated to his patients. He was hospitalized once at the same time I was. He came from his sick bed to see about me . That is dedication, care and concern that we unfortunately no longer see. He left a great legacy to each of you and a sadness to all those who knew him. May he now rest in the peace He greatly deserves, in God's care. May you also have Peace that comes from our Lord.
Thelma A. Newman and daughter Kathy Newman
October 17, 2011
Our family is so sad to hear of Uncle Bill's death. We have always enjoyed his delightful sense of humor and his marvelous stories. I know everyone who has met him will miss him, his kindness and gentleness. I personally cannot remember a time when he has not been part of my life from the time I was one of the “varmints� as he called us to when I outgrew that status. It was always such a treat to see him. We send our love and sympathy to his family.
Mary Porter Maly, Phil Porter and families
October 15, 2011
Dr.Painter was our family doctor from the time he came to Mt. Sidney. He took care of my first daughter in 1971 until we moved to NC in 1974. My parents, Ralph and Gertrude Coffman thought there was not another doctor in the world like Dr. Painter. He was always there for them. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Ann Coffman Farabee
Patricia Rankin
October 13, 2011
I also grew up (as did the rest of my family)under Dr. Painter's care. Even though he first treated me as a one year old. My other five sisters were born and grew up under his care
Dr. Painter always celebrate his life; making new and precious memories. I bet he is sharing a fun story in Heaven now. When the Lord made Dr. Painter he definitely broke the mold. To describe a man of such character would be an unending task. He was the kindest, nicest, happiest person I have known. He always had a smile and a story to share no matter what he was going through. His jokes and laughter will live on in our memories.
Losing a Doctor like Dr. Painter's
A Doctor that means the world to you,
A Doctor that you put all your trust and faith in.
A Doctor you believe in from the start.
A Doctor that took the center of your heart.
A Doctor who enjoyed being with his children,wife,friends and patients
and bragging about it and what it meant to him,
A Doctor you wanted to cherish for a lifetime.
Patricia Ann Shifflett- Rankin
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
October 13, 2011
What do we say when someone we love passes away? Ninety -two is a long life but we wish for more. We remember all the history, all the stories, a life dedicated to the service of healing, a family man, a man who cared about people!
We support the family and friends who loved him and we grieve - a community will grieve and those from around the country who have known him will grieve.
We are blessed to have know Dr. William Painter.
May you rest in peace, Pop.
Love,
Aunt Mary
collin craig
October 12, 2011
Doc Painter was a very caring man who visited my grandmother on Christmas Eve in Mt. Sidney, making a house call and taking time from his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Brenda Stonesifer
October 12, 2011
I worked for Dr. Painter through the 80's. I worked as the full charge bookkeeper for his medical practice in Ft. Defiance. Dr. Painter & Dr. Carter always called me "Bookie"
Liz Hagen
October 11, 2011
Dr. Painter and his wife Dorothy were dear friends with my grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. John Guss. They would often take trips together and Dr. Painter would ask to take his turn driving as he "wanted to take a nap." What a dear man with such a wonderful sense of humor that truly served his community and family. I am blessed to count his granddaughter as my beloved friend so the love and memories will go on!
Annie Losh
October 11, 2011
my deepest condolences. Dr Painter was our family Dr. from the day I was born. He was a very kind person, but never minced words..I remember my Mother always saying to him I work I eat.. He treated all with respect and caring. He was man who cared about his patients. May God be with you all and remember as long as you have memories...he will always be there..
Annie Marshall Losh (formally of Mt. Sidney)
Lesa Leonard Byrum
October 11, 2011
I also grew up (as did the rest of my family) under Dr. Painter's care. Even though he first treated me as a one year old when we moved to Verona, I still remember never being afraid to go to the doctor because he was so kind and gentle. I have a few scars that he sewed up over the years and always remind me of him. I am sorry to hear of his passing and know that he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Mal Livick,Jr.
October 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
at this time.Dr Painter was my doctor during my youth and he was such a fine man as will as wonderful doctor.Some of my most later years memories of Dr Bill were serving as ushers at Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church.May the Lord bless you all!
Cathy Fisanich
October 11, 2011
My sincere condolences. I know Betsy and Ann from Greenbelt, MD and very glad I got to know them. I feel like I knew your father through your stories, your father was a special person.
Sharon and John Broadwater
October 10, 2011
Our "Uncle Bill" was always fun to be around. His sense of humor kept us all laughing, and he had wonderful stories about our relatives! He had a long and productive life, and his medical practice helped countless people over several generations. We love and miss him very much
Kirk Wine
October 10, 2011
I'm sure, like to many people, Dr Painter was like one of the family. I was born and grew up under his care. He will surely be missed. God bless his family and thank you, Lord, for his life.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
18 West Frederick Street, Staunton, VA 24401
Make a Donation
in Dr. William Painter, Jr.'s name
How to support Dr. William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dr. William Painter, Jr.'s life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
