William J. Anderson III, medical visionary, dies

By Staff
From staff reports
Oct. 31, 2002
Dr. William J. Anderson III, a general surgeon and president and chairman of the board of Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center, died today at the age of 71.
A native of Meridian, Anderson graduated from Meridian High School and attended the University of Mississippi.
He received his medical degree in 1956 from Baylor University in Houston, Texas. He completed his internship and residency from 1956-61 at Confederate Memorial in Shreveport, La.
In 1962, he returned to Meridian to practice with his father, Dr. William J. Anderson Jr. and continue the heritage of his grandfather, the late Dr. Jeff Anderson, which began in 1928.
Anderson was a general surgeon from 1962 until his retirement from Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center in 1998.
His colleagues said today he was tireless in providing visionary leadership to the hospital and compassionate care to his patients.
Anderson was instrumental in the development of the hospital's strategic Master Facility Plan. This plan was based on a patient-focused design and involved the relocation of all services for easy patient access. These areas include the Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Care Unit, Emergency Room and the All Patients Services area that was dedicated in his honor in June 2000.
He was also instrumental in the formation of the Jeff Anderson Regional Cancer Center.
Anderson served as director of Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center for 18 years. He was a member of the American Medical Association, Mississippi Medical Association and the East Mississippi Medical Society. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church and St. John's Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, five children, a stepson and 12 grandchildren.
Arrangements were incomplete at press time at Barham Funeral Home.