Dr. William Melville Doak, a pediatrician and accomplished amateur artist passed away on April 20, 2024, at Alive Hospice, Nashville, Tennessee after a prolonged illness.
Dr. Doak was born in Nashville on March 21, 1930, to Anice Turner and Samuel Gordon Doak.
He attended Eakin Elementary, Duncan School, Webb School then graduated from West End High School. He attended Vanderbilt University and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis in 1959.
After completing his pediatric residency at Vanderbilt University Medical School, he entered pediatric practice with late doctors Luther Beazley, MD, and William Wadlington, MD. He was a member of the Tennessee Medical Association, and the Davidson County Pediatric Association, the latter of which he served for a term as president. He was Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical School for nearly five decades. In 1980 he received the James C. Overall Award for Teaching.
Doctor Doak made an enormous impact on the community as reported in the article, “Revered pediatrician to hang up his stethoscope” (Tennessean June 29, 2005). After 50 years, he is remembered as often saying, “being a pediatrician is the best job in the world.”
Dr. Doak was a voracious reader with an incredible memory and a wealth of knowledge which, coupled with a secure handshake and listening ear, made patients and parents feel at ease and confident in his care.
In 1969-1970 he established the Bluefield Foundry with artist colleagues Tom Griscom and Lonnie Highley. All had day jobs. It served well as both a modeling studio and foundry for the original three and later for numerous other sculptors in the area. Pieces were cast in bronze using the lost-wax process at which they became proficient. Several pieces of Dr. Doak’s work are found in the sculpture garden in the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
His mother, Anice Turner Doak, an interior designer, was an important influence on his interest in art. He counted nationally known sculptor Puryear Mims as a mentor. Dr. Doak considered it an honor to be a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, sharing interests in faith, caring and art with fellow congregants.
In his later years he began oil painting and became as prolific in his new colorful medium as he had been in sculpture. Other interests included boating inland waterways in Florida and the British Virgin Islands. An accomplished cook, his family and friends looked forward to his sit-down dinners, often followed by home roasted espresso.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Gordon Doak, Sr., and his former wife Ida June Brown Doak of Nashville.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dr.Margreete Johnston, also a pediatrician, his brother’s widow Mary Tramel Doak, additionally four children: Arthur G. Doak (Jill Rudisill), Anice M. Doak (Victor Schmidt), Dr. William E. Doak (Claire Denault), and Robert J. Derveloy, IV (Brianne Brucker); grandchildren Samuel Doak, Michael K. and Robert W. Derveloy. He is also survived by a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins spanning three generations.
The family would like to thank the physicians who provided exceptional care, including Dr. William Baucom, Dr. Daniel Muñoz, Dr. Babatunde Carew and Dr Robert Fallis. The family is also grateful for friends, neighbors, and caregivers who provided love and support along the way.
A formal memorial service will occur and be announced at a later date. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Westminster Presbyterian Church, or the charity of your choice.
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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