Dr. William Henry Kessler passed away September 5, 2012, at age 87. Bill was born on August 6, 1925, in Birmingham, where he lived his entire life. He was preceded in death by his parents, August Henry and Emma Kessler, his brother, Dr. Charles A. Kessler, and his sister, Dr. Jean K. Noxon. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann Acker Kessler; two daughters, Steadham K. McGowin (Mints) of Greenville, Alabama, and Carleton K. Ambrose of Birmingham; two grandchildren, William Kessler McGowin and Carleton Bassett McGowin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He attended Birmingham-Southern College, where he was a founding member of the Theta Chi chapter. He then attended the University of Alabama Medical School and was a member of its first graduating class, receiving his medical degree at age 21. After completing his residency at Carraway Methodist Hospital, he served as US Army Captain in the Korean War in the 101 Evac and MASH Hospital. After returning home from the war he began his practice of Internal Medicine at Norwood Clinic and went on to become Chief of Medicine there for many years. After retiring from private practice, he continued working with the Social Security Administration on disability determinations until age 80. He also spent his time playing golf with the Gravy Train and The Studs and enjoyed working in the yard with Ernest Carrington, his longtime gardener.
Dr. Kessler was a member of the Country Club of Birmingham, Mountain Brook Club, Southeastern Clinical Club, Beaux Arts Krewe, The Club, Todd Liscomb’s Tuesday Bible Study, and Cathedral Church of the Advent.
The family appreciates the love and care given by Roxie Luck, Dianne Lambert, Donna Larriot, and Myrna Gates. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 Sixth Avenue North, B’ham 35203; New Beacon Hospice, 201 Office Park Drive, Suite 100, B’ham 35223; or a charity of your choice. The memorial service will be Friday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Cathedral Church of the Advent, with visitation following at the church.
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