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William Reid Wyly

William Wyly Obituary

WYLY, Reid William Reid Wyly, M.D., a physician in Summerville for 34 years and a beloved husband, father and grandfather, died on May 14 at the age of 83. A funeral service with Holy Communion will be held at St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 206 Central Avenue in Summerville, SC, on Friday, May 19 at 11:00 am. The graveside service will be private. The family will receive guests at Parks Funeral Home on Thursday, May 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Memorials may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church Organ Fund; or to The Presbyterian Home of South Carolina (201 W. 9thNorth Street, Summerville, SC 29483); or to Lutheran Hospice (900 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. # 200, Mt Pleasant, 29464); or to the College of Charleston Foundation, for Music Scholarships (66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424-0001); or to the College of Medicine Scholarship Fund, Medical University of South Carolina (P. O. Box 250450, Charleston, SC 29425). Dr. Wyly was born on Valentines Day, 1923, in Lumberton, NC, to Mary Julia Reid and Lemuel David Wyly. They soon returned to their hometown of Seneca, SC, where young Reid grew up and went to school. He interrupted his pre-medical studies at the College of Charleston to join the Army in 1943. After basic and laboratory technical training, he was assigned to the 83rdGeneral Hospital Unit and was sent to Wales and Northern Ireland. He helped set up and operate a neuro-surgical 1400 bed hospital in preparation for D-Day, and following VE day was sent to France to help operate a hospital in Sommes-Suippes. Upon his return, he finished at the College and entered The Medical College of SC in 1947, all the while working as a laboratory technician in clinical pathology. It was in the laboratory that he met Lois Ann Johnston, a laboratory technologist, whom he married in 1950. He received his MD degree in 1951 and they had their first child, Katherine. W. Reid, Jr., and Ann Johnston would be born to the couple in 1954 and 1955, respectively. After an internship at Fort Sanders Hospital in Knoxville, TN, Dr. Wyly opened a general practice of medicine and surgery in St. Stephen, SC, and served as chief of staff at Berkeley County Hospital. He moved to Summerville in 1954 to practice with Dr. Howard Snyder on South Pine Street. When Dr. Snyder left in 1963, Dr. Wyly invited Dr. Tolly Taylor to come to Summerville and share his obstetrics practice. Dr. Wyly continued a family practice and surgery until 1988, with the assistance of Nurses Sarah Crowley, followed by Audrey Lisenby, Lucille Campbell, and Jo Owens who was with Dr. Wyly from 1975 until his retirement. As a member of the Hospital Board, Dr. Wyly served as chief of staff at Dorchester County Hospital several times over the course of his practice. He delivered approximately 2,000 babies to residents of Summerville and surrounding areas, and cared for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. During the majority of his practice, he made house calls at any hour of the night. He recounted fond memories of sitting at a family's kitchen table in the middle of the night, perhaps for hot cornbread, after delivering a baby in the next room, or after caring for an ailing, bedridden grandparent. For health reasons, Dr. Wyly retired from his medical practice in 1988. He had delivered medical care for more than 40 years and was a member of the American Academy of General Practice and a charter fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He also had served on the Summerville District 2 School Board from 1963 to about 1976, several years as chairman. Dr. Wyly's avocations included playing cello with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra from 1961 to around 1976. A weekly classical chamber group, with varying members, met at the Wylys' home for over 40 years. When the Wylys left their home in the Tea Farm in 2003 to move to the Village of the Presbyterian Home, the chamber group continued to gather at the Wylys. Lloyd Mandel, M.D., and Gus Cacioppo, both of Charleston, played music 25 years with Dr. Wyly through April of this year. Another of Dr. Wyly's early avocations included getting out on a boat with his family or a friend to cruise the harbor, the waterways around Charleston or Edisto, or to fish. Vacation time was almost invariably with family on Edisto Island, throwing a cast net for shrimp with his wife in a johnboat, cooking crabs, stargazing on the dock, or swimming in the creek with his children. During his children's teen years, Dr. Wyly also took up horseback riding, so that he might spend time with his kids where the phone couldn't ring. In 1975, he built a wood-working shop and developed the art of designing and making furniture for his own home and for each of his children and grandchildren. Dr. Wyly's long life was anchored in unwavering service to humankind, and in his love of his family. He enriched himself with music and time spent close to Nature and made a positive contribution in all his endeavors. He lived by his principles and allowed his ideals to mature as he did. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lois Ann Johnston Wyly; his children, Katherine Wyly Mille, William Reid Wyly, Jr., and Ann Johnston Wyly; grandchildren, Andrew Wyly Mille, Patrick Johnston Mille, and Brennan Margaret Wyly; son-in-law: Jean-Marie Edouard Mille; daughter-in-law: Rosalyn Adams; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother L. David Wyly, Ph.D., whose wife, Estelle Wyly resides in Atlanta. Dr. Wyly's family is grateful to the excellent doctors and nurses in Summerville, at Trident Hospital, and at the Presbyterian Home who have cared for him over the years and during his final illness. Arrangements by Parks Funeral Home, Inc. 130 West 1stNorth Street, Summerville, SC 29483. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier on May 16, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for William Wyly

27 Entries

Sue & Harold George

May 25, 2006

Our Christian love and heartfelt sympathy to each of you.Dr.Wyly delivered both my children, Harold [Tripp] and Tammie. 1972-1973-and our family dr. from 1966 till his retirement.There are no words to express our sincere sadness of your loss.He was a true gem and loved and respected by his patients--his church-St.Lukes and the community. We are presently in the process of moving to the St.Stephens area --near where he first started his practice. Dr.Wyly will long be remembered in my childrens hearts as well as ours.If there is any thing we can do -please let us know.We will keep each of you in our prayers.

Stephen Ratliff

May 22, 2006

Dear Mrs. Wyly, Kathy, Reid, and Ann,

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Wyly's passing. I have many fond memories of him as our family physician and neighbor in the Tea Farm. He was always there when you needed him (including house calls). What a wonderful person to have known. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Marcia Rey

May 19, 2006

Kathy & Jean-Marie - It is with great sadness that we loose our fathers, particularly when they are the kind of inspiration your father was. Remember always that he is only gone in body, and that he will always be with you in your hearts and minds. I am certain your boys adored him as well, and how wonderful for them that they had such an incredible person as a grandfather. Take care-

Ann Martin

May 19, 2006

To Reid and Brennan, Please know that Iam aware of your loss and will keep you in my prayers.

Corey Grooms

May 18, 2006

To the Wyly family,

What a wonderful legacy that Dr. Wyly was for his community, patients, friends and family. He delivered me in Summerville Hospital and was my families physician until his retirement. Now in my 30's and an employee at MUSC it's very rare that I see a doctor with as much compassion and sincerity that he had for everyone. May God Bless You and keep you in this time of grief.

Peggy Williford

May 18, 2006

I was a patient of Dr. Wyly's from

1971 to 1988 when he retired. He

was the most wonderful loving,caring,doctor I have ever known. Always had time for you re-

gardless of how many patients were

waiting to see him. Took time to

listen and gave wonderful advice.

He will be missed by many people

in Summerville.

Pamela Williams

May 18, 2006

My condolences to the Wyly family. I knew Dr. Wyly because he delivered my son at the old Summerville hospital. What a wonderful man he was & he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Barbara Lewis

May 17, 2006

Reid,

I didn't know your dad, but after reading this guest book, I now know where you got your gentle,loving nature. My condolences to you and all your family.

Cathy Owens Sasser

May 17, 2006

Mrs. Wyly, Kathy, Reid, and Ann,

As I read the beautiful tribute in the paper, it made me realize even more how much I will miss Dr. Wyly. As mom said, he practically raised me and I have such fond memories of him. Once of my favorites is him at Edisto, floating on his back with his hat on his head. Please know that he will always have a special place in my heart. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

All my love,

Cathy

Sherrolyn Phillips Knowles

May 17, 2006

Dr. Wyly took care of me through much of my childhood, teen years, and early adulthood. In the years since his retirement, I have missed having him as my physician. He is a "hard act to follow" for any other doctor. What a kind, caring, amazing man! My prayers and condolences are with you.

Betty Roumillat

May 17, 2006

Reid,I will always cherish you for doing so much with Oscar while he was so ill, and before. He loved you like a brother and doctor, and for looking out for me.

Lois Anne, Kathie, Anne, and Reid,Jr., I love all of you very much.

Miss Betty

ginny white

May 17, 2006

Reid, I'am sorry to hear of your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Your friend always,

Ginny White

Vernell and Doug Fulton

May 16, 2006

Our condolences to the family. He was truly a great Dr. and man.His kindness and quiet ways will be remembered always.He delivered all our children and took care of all the family as medical care was needed He will be remembered lovingly.

Mary & John Jones family

May 16, 2006

Dr. Wyly was a great man and doctor to our family. Words can not express our gratitude for his friendship and care given to our family in times of need.

When riding horses with him he was always congenial and tall in the saddle as he rode his horse Chester. Our family is proud to have know him. Our deepest sympathy to the family.

Patrice McHatton Collins

May 16, 2006

Reid,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let me know if I can do anything for your family.

Wayne Weber

May 16, 2006

Mrs. Wyly, Kathy, Ann, and Reid;

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and Dad.

When growing up as a child at St. Lukes, I will never forget his friendly hello and warm smile.

Later, as a young teen, I cherised his occasional words of encouragement and praise after Sunday worship service.

After Dr. Wyly retired I was always welcome to stop and chat for a few minutes anytime I noticed him out in the yard while driving by your house.

His compassion was always sincere and he most certainly has a cherished, peaceful place in Heaven.

My love and may God bless, Wayne

Theresa Weathers-Bognar

May 16, 2006

LOIS ANN, KATHY, REID, AND ANN, I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO TELL Y'ALL HOW MUCH YOU AND THE WHOLE TOWN WILL MISS THE DOC. I HAVE SO MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF HIM, AND OF OUR FAMILIES AS WE GREW UP. I WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THE BEAUTIFUL CRIB THAT REID AND DADDY BUILT FOR MY CHILDREN; IT WAS REALLY SPECIAL.

MY FAVORITE MEMORY OF DR. WYLY IS WHEN HE AND I SPENT THE DAY OUT ON THE LAKE IN HIS BOAT TOGETHER. WE HAD A SIX PACK OF BEER, HIS FISHING EQUIPMENT, AND DADDY'S ASHES. WE WENT TO THEIR SECRET FISHING HOLE AND HE FISHED WHILE WE TALKED. HE TOLD ME SOME HYSTERICAL STORIES AND MANY THINGS I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT MY DAD (HIS BUDDY). A GAME WARDEN CAME ALONG AND ASKED TO SEE OUR LICENSES; WE TOLD HIM I WASN'T FISHING BUT HE DIDN'T SEEM TO BELIEVE US; HE WAS REALLY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THIS 37 YEAR OLD WOMAN WAS DOING OUT IN A BOAT ALONE WITH A 70 YEAR OLD MAN, WHO WASN'T HER DAD... IT WAS TOO FUNNY. WE JUST HELD OUR BREATH, HOPING HE'D GO AWAY AND NOT SEE DADDY'S ASHES LAYING ON THE FLOOR OF THE BOAT. AS SOON AS HE LEFT, WE EACH SAID OUR GOOD-BYES AND I SPRINKLED THE ASHES IN THE WATER. IT WAS A REALLY MEMORABLE DAY FOR EACH OF US.... WE ALL TRULY LOVED DR. WYLY, AND I AM GRATEFUL THAT HE BROUGHT ME INTO THE WORLD AND HELPED ME THROUGH ALL MY CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES INTO ADULTHOOD. HE HELPED ME AS I BECAME A MOTHER MYSELF...... WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS KINDNESS, HIS TALENT AS A CELLIST, HIS BRILLIANCE AS A PHYSICIAN, AND HIS CONSTANT LOVE AND LOYALTY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS...... FONDLY, THERESA

Renee' Walley

May 16, 2006

Reid, Don't know if you'll remember me, but I worked with you at Prudential. I am sorry to hear about your dad passing away. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

Amy Zielke

May 16, 2006

Dear Lois Ann and Family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you.

Amy

Christie Lambert (barton)

May 16, 2006

Reid, I am so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. He was the kindest man and a Wonderful doctor! Summerville has lost a real treasure! Please give your condolences to your Mom for me!

May 16, 2006

Dr. Wyly will always be remembered by me and my family for his loving care given to us for many years. He cared for me as a child and also delivered my first born. His nurse, Miss Audrey, gave my brother (Crockett)his nickname that to this day still stands. He will be missed by many for many have fond memories of him. Please accept my condolences and you will all be in my prayers and thoughts as you go thru this time of grief. Just remember that the Father above is always with you and will have you in His arms.

Maudetta (Harness) Harmon

Jayne Carter

May 16, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Nancy Lee

May 16, 2006

Reid, Brennan, and Family:

I was saddened to learn of your father's passing. Your father has left an indelible mark on the Summerville community and will no doubt be missed by many. My daughter Savannah's dad was named Wyly after Dr. Wyly saved the life of his mother during a difficult delivery; like so many others, I'm sure. Take comfort in knowing the many lives your father has touched outside of your own. He was a remarkable man. Reid, please know my prayers and thoughts are with you.

Nan and Savannah Lee - Summerville, SC

cydney roberson

May 16, 2006

Dr. Wyly delivered my only child and I'll always love him for that. Much sympathy to his family.

Denny Sherrod

May 16, 2006

Laurie Anne and I were stunned and deeply saddened by your family's loss. You are all in our prayers.

I will always cherish my memories of the chess games and conversations with Dr. Wyly. I have never forgotten the many kindnesses he showed to me. He was a truly special man.

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