William Brown Hanson, MD

Glover Funeral Home of Dothan

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Posted by: Glover Funeral Home
[email protected]
334-699-3888
Date: Jul 18 2024 9:37 AM

William Brown Hanson, MD, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, July 15th, 2024, at the age of 89. Born in Atlanta, GA, on January 1, 1935, William spent his childhood in Macon, GA. He was a distinguished student at Lanier Senior High School for Boys where he was the leader of his decorated company of the Reserve Officers Training Corps.

William, affectionately known as Bill, pursued higher education at Mercer University, where he joined the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. His passion for medicine led him to Emory Medical School in 1955, followed by residencies in Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital, completed in 1965. Bill served in the US Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base from 1965 to 1967, dedicating his skills to his country.

In 1958, Bill married his soulmate, Norma Jo Saliba, in Dothan, AL. The couple made their home in Dothan, where Bill was a founding partner of the Dothan Bone & Joint Clinic, later known as the Southern Bone and Joint Clinic. He dedicated 46 years to orthopedic surgery. With a special interest in sports medicine, he served as the team physician for the Houston Academy Raiders from 1970 to 1985.

In the 1960s and 70s, Bill was a devout supporter of the Dothan Crippled Children’s Clinic. He was recognized for his professional excellence and commitment to public service with the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Arthritis Foundation in 1977. His membership in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons since 1970 highlighted his continued dedication to advancing medical practice.

Bill was a strong proponent for and supporter of Wallace Community College’s nursing programs. He valued the graduates’ level of education and sought opportunities to provide valuable input into the curriculum content and competencies for its students. He, along with his wife Norma, provided valuable resources to scholarship students giving them an opportunity to have stellar careers in the healthcare field.

An active congregant of Evergreen Presbyterian Church, Bill also supported the Evergreen Preschool, reflecting his continuing commitment to community and education. An avid golfer and sailor, he cherished his time on the Gulf of Mexico and was a fixture in his local golf group, The Hackers. Bill’s adventurous spirit was matched by his profound love for his family. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Norma; daughters, Marie Hanson Denning and Kathryn Hanson Cox; sons-in-law, Richard Scott Denning and Jonathan Kyle Cox; four grandchildren, William Arthur Denning, Ethan Joseph Denning, Olivia Kathryn Cox and Camille Caroline Cox; sister, Dora Hanson James, brother, Enoch Victor Hanson and sister-in-law, Joe Ann Adams Hanson; several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of love, care, and unwavering support.

Visitation will be held at Evergreen Presbyterian Church on Friday, July 19th, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The Celebration of Life service will take place at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 20th at 2:00 PM. A private graveside service for family will follow at the Garden of the Cross in Memory Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Love in Action International Ministries and The Harbor, organizations close to Bill’s heart.

Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699- 3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

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