Obituary of William Bennett

William Tyson Bennett, MD, FACC, FAHA, FACP Dr. Bennett of Charlotte, NC died Monday, August 27, 2012. Born on October 27, 1939 in Heflin, AL, he was the son of the late James and Ellen Bennett. Dr. Bennett attended the University of Alabama and then received his MD degree from Tulane Medical School in 1965. He performed his medical internship at Charity Hospital (Tulane) in New Orleans and then completed his residency in internal medicine at Charity Hospital from 1966-68. He was then awarded a cardiovascular fellowship to Duke University Medical School (1968 ? 1970). Dr. Bennett served his country as a major in the US Air Force and was Chief of Internal Medicine at Erling Berquist USAF Regional Hospital, Offutt AFB, in Omaha, NE. After completion of military duty, he moved to Charlotte and entered into private cardiology practice at the Nalle Clinic. In 1986, he formed the Bennett Cardiac Center where he continued to practice cardiology as well as created a wellness, prevention, and cardiac rehabilitation center. In 2009, he joined the Sanger Vascular and Heart Institute where he especially enjoyed practicing cardiology and working with outstanding physicians and staff. Dr. Bennett was on the staff at Carolinas Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital, and Mercy Hospital. His appointments included: Instructor of Medicine, Duke University; Chief, Internal Medicine, Erling Berquist USAF Regional Hospital; Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Creighton University Medical School; Clinical Associated Professor of Medicine, University of North Carolina; Chief of Cardiology, Presbyterian Hospital; and Medical Director, Mercy Cardiac Rehabilitation. Dr. Bennett was a member of the Mecklenburg Medical Society, North Carolina Medical Society, and North Carolina Heart Association. He was a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association Council of Clinical Cardiology, and the American College of Physicians. Throughout his career, he had a tremendous love for and knowledge of medicine and was committed to taking care of his patients at the highest level?using a gentle manner and sincere compassion that defined him as a doctor. Dr. Bennett was a member of Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte Country Club, Sportsman Club, and the Charlotte Rotary Club. Throughout his life, Dr. Bennett developed a love of medicine, music, Duke basketball, golf, and tennis. He enjoyed spending his time with his indoor tennis group at Charlotte Country Club and his golf buddies. Dr. Bennett is survived by his wife, Debbie Bennett, and his two daughters, Heather Ann Bennett and Tara Elizabeth Bennett. He is also survived by a sister, Alice Miles, and brother, Bibb Bennett. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 29 at 2:00pm at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC, 28207.