The Medical Alumni Association (MAA) of the Wake Forest School of Medicine has honored William Louis Perry, M.D., a member of the school’s Class of 1936, for his lifetime of service and leadership in medicine in his community.
Perry, a resident of Chesterfield, S.C., celebrates his 100th birthday tomorrow, Jan. 4. He practiced as a family physician for 47 years, and he and his brother, Jeremiah B. Perry, M.D., founded the Perry Clinic in Chesterfield.
The MAA Board of Directors passed a formal resolution honoring Perry’s achievements during its fall meeting on Nov. 4, and the medical school’s Class of 2014 named him an honorary member of the class and presented him with a white coat embroidered with his name.
“The MAA Board, on behalf of our entire alumni family, extends its appreciation to Dr. Perry for serving as an exemplary representative of the values and mission of the Wake Forest School of Medicine,” said MAA President Joseph J. Estwanik, M.D., ’73.
In accepting the resolution, Perry summarized his life’s work, saying, “There is nothing I have enjoyed more nor wanted to do in life than to get up every day, go to work and help care for people.”
Perry is the oldest living alumnus of the Wake Forest School of Medicine. The MAA Board meeting coincided with the medical school’s Alumni Weekend, which marked the 75th anniversary of Perry’s graduating class.
Perry’s family and friends will join members of the Chesterfield community to celebrate his 100th birthday at a reception Sunday, Jan. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Chesterfield Community Center.
Media Relations
Eric Whittington: ewhittin@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-5318