William W. Funderburk

William W. Funderburk, MD, died peacefully at the age of 92 surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at his home in Washington, DC.

Bill (affectionately known as "Fundy") was born in Lancaster, South Carolina on August 26, 1931. Bill and his six younger siblings all attended Mather Academy in Camden, SC. Bill was the only African American Eagle Scout from South Carolina chosen to attend the 8th World Boy Scout Jamboree in Moisson, France in 1947.

Bill graduated Magna Cum Laude from Johnson C. Smith University in 1952 where he served as President of Beta Kappa Pi Scientific Society, Editor of the University Student and was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Bill graduated from Howard University College of Medicine (HUCM) in 1956 where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and lent his beautiful singing voice to the medical school's barbershop quartet. Bill was one of the first African American surgeons to serve a two-month tour as a volunteer physician in Vietnam in 1967. He went on to become an Associate Professor of Surgery at HUCM while practicing with a prestigious surgical partnership focused on breast health and breast cancer research. He served two years as Associate Dean for Student Affairs at HUCM from 1972-1974 and remained active in HUCM's Alumni Association his entire life. Bill maintained teaching status at HUCM, Washington Hospital Center and Providence Hospital where he was awarded the Caregiver Award in 2013 as a Breast Health Champion and served as Chief of Surgery from 2000-2002. Bill was devoted to his patients, and they thrived under his expert care.

Bill co-founded the Center for Ambulatory Surgery, Inc. (CASI) in 1977, the first free-standing ambulatory surgery center in Washington, DC, and continued as a surveyor for the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care for 30 years.

Bill's greatest life's pleasure was his family. He married Marilyn Bush in 1960 and was blessed with a son and two daughters. In 13 years, he never missed a father/daughter field day or dinner. He enthusiastically cheered for his son's football and crew teams. He was a doting grandfather to his three grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his children and grandchildren in the U.S. and abroad including trips to France and Greece as well as a 50th wedding anniversary trip to Italy. Bill loved being active, including jogging and cycling in Rock Creek Park, swimming, and hiking. A medical mission in 1999 to Nepal morphed into a trek up the Mt. Everest trail beyond Base Camp to Kalapatur at 18,400 feet. In his later years, he walked consistently and passionately tended his cherished garden and fig tree.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn, children William W. Funderburk, Jr., Julie Funderburk (Brad Johnson) and Christina Funderburk Lingelbach (John); three grandchildren, Casey and Julia Lingelbach and Claire Funderburk; his sister, Louilyn Funderburk Hargett and numerous treasured nieces and nephews.

Per Bill's wishes, no memorial service is being held. Donations can be made in the name of William W. Funderburk, MD to the Howard University Medical Alumni Association.