William Briney

Dr. William Finney Briney
William Finney Briney, M.D., of Roswell NM, died on June 6, 2025, six days shy of his 95th birthday. He was the beloved husband of Sue Bartoo Chianta, whom he married on January 3rd, 2015, loving father of Laura Huette, John (Cheryl) Briney, and William (Diane) Briney. He was the dearest grandfather of BrieAnne, Mark, Erin, Jennifer, Kristen, and William III and great grandfather to many. He was preceded in death by his first wife Margaret Stevens, his sister Betty Ann Fairhead and husband Jim, and his brother Dr. Robert Briney and wife Maria. His younger brother, Dr. Walter F. Briney Jr., and wife Susan reside in Illinois. Bill was born and raised in the city of Chicago where he attended primary and secondary schools. He studied at the University of Illinois for both undergraduate and medical school. Upon his graduation from the University of IL College of Medicine, he did an internship and residency in thoracic surgery at Cook County Hospital, Chicago. He spent the majority of his medical career in Prescott, Arizona at the Veterans Hospital, rising to chief surgeon before retiring in 1990. Bill entered the United States Army in 1957 and ended his career in 1993 in the Army Reserve. He achieved the rank of full colonel and served in many leadership positions including commander of the Army hospital in Phoenix, AZ, from 1979 to 1985 and head surgeon of the 403rd Combat Support Hospital in the 1st Gulf War. His many outside interests included birding, bee keeping, woodworking, wood carving, opera, and repairing antique clocks. He was active in many environmental groups including holding a national leadership position in the Isaac Walton League and serving as president of the board for the Friends of Bitter Lake NWR. Late in life he became an enthusiastic practitioner of Tai Chi. Bill was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and loved singing in the choir.
In spite of his full professional schedule, Bill always found time to spend with his children, whether leading various 4H groups to pass on his woodworking knowledge or taking the family on camping trips to explore the outdoors. He was a wonderful father and mentor.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, June 21, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2801 W. 4th St. in Roswell, starting at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Bill's memory to the Friends of Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 4200 E. Pine Lodge Rd, Roswell, NM 88201 or to Westminster Presbyterian Church Outreach Program, 2801 W. 4th St., Roswell, NM 88201.