Dr. William J. Callison, M.D.

Dr. William J. Callison, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon whose medical practice spanned 35 years in Asheville, NC, died Sunday, May 11, 2008. He was 79.
Born in Columbia, KY, on April 28, 1929 to Frank and Hazel Williams Callison, Dr. Callison graduated from Western KY University in 1949 and Vanderbilt University Medical School in 1952. After serving as Captain in the Medical Corps of the US Air Force, he returned to Vanderbilt Hospital to complete his general surgery and orthopedic residencies. He received his certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons in 1962, and served on the staffs of both St. Joseph's Hospital and Memorial Mission Hospital from 1960-1995 as well as an assistant clinical professor for the Duke University Medical School at the Asheville VA Medical Center. He was a partner in Blue Ridge Bone and Joint and in 1982, left to begin a solo practice devoted to foot and ankle surgery, which he continued until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of Grace Convenant Presbyterian Church for over 40 years, serving multiple tenures as elder on its ruling Session.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Lancaster Callison of Asheville, NC; three children,  Anne Callison Stokely and husband Jim of Hamilton, MA, William L. Callison and wife Rhonda of Weaverville, NC, and Frank R. Callison and wife Janice of Spartansburg, SC; his brother  James R. Callison, MD and wife Barbara of Scottsdale, AZ; seven grandchildren.
Memorial services were held on May 15, 2008 at his church with Rev. Mark Ramsey officiating.
Honoring Dr. Callison's long association with St. Joseph's Hospital and the Sisters of Mercy, the family encourages memorial donations be made to the Catherine  McAuley Mercy Foundation, Sisters of Mercy Services Corporation, 445 Biltmore Center, Suite 501, Asheville, NC 28801.
This obituary information is a courtesy of Grissom-Martin Funeral Home.