Dr. Doctor William Joseph Frohbose

ROCKY MOUNT - Doctor William Joseph Frohbose died Sunday night, September 24, 2017. He was one month shy of his 101st birthday. He passed away at home with his family members nearby. He was very pleased to have many of them with him at the end. William was born in New York City on October 22, 1916. He was the 4th of 5 children born to Frederick and Rose Mills Frohbose. He grew up in Bound Brook, New Jersey. He moved to Virginia and attended Randolph-Macon College, where he excelled in football and the Glee Club, as well as in academics. He left after three years at Randolph-Macon to enter the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree. After an internship year in Richmond he entered active duty in the US Navy where he served as medical officer aboard APA 77, christened the USS Crittendon. He spent a year aboard ship tending to Marines being ferried to various locations in the Pacific theater during World War II. After the war he returned to Virginia, and high on his agenda were continuing his medical training and reconnecting with his future wife Elizabeth Blair. He and Betty married in March 1946. They moved to Louisville where he worked in public health, and then on to Philadelphia where he completed his residency at the Pennsylvania Hospital. He then went into private practice of Urology in Richmond for a short time before moving to Rocky Mount, NC in 1952, joining the Boice Willis Clinic. In 1963 he began what would become Rocky Mount Urology Associates with Dr. Robert Macaulay. They were later joined by Dr. Joseph Whisnant and together they built a practice that still serves the Rocky Mount community. The professional associations that he developed within his practice and the medical staffs at Nash General Hospital, and before that, at Park View Hospital, were among his most meaningful. He was a longstanding member of The Church of the Good Shepherd, where he served on the Vestry. He also was a member of Benvenue Country Club. In retirement he enjoyed golf, gin rummy, reading, solving crossword puzzles, reciting poetry, singing Johnny Mercer songs, and traveling with his wife all around the United States. He also enjoyed the company of his family, neighbors, and friends who visited often, and he made no secret of the fact that he cherished each and every visit from all. He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth Blair Frohbose. He is survived by his children Blair Frohbose Henry and husband John of Lake Gaston, Frederick Alexander Frohbose and wife Kelly of Rocky Mount, and Ann Montgomery Frohbose of Wrightsville Beach and Asheville; his grandchildren Elizabeth Davis Clark and husband Rich, Richard McLean Davis and wife Wesley, Ann McLean Boddie, Jean Blair Boddie, Elizabeth Mayo Boddie, Alice Blair Frohbose, Ann Katherine Frohbose, Frederick Alexander Frohbose, Jr., and Betty Montgomery Boddie. He is also survived by eight great grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the home of Kelly and Fred Frohbose, 1608 Pinecrest Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Pineview Cemetery with Rev. Matthew Johnson officiating. A visitation with the family will follow the service. The family would like to express gratitude to Jameka, Patsy, Yvonne, Darlene, Dorcas, Lynette, Annette, and Barbara, who provided such compassionate care to Dad in his final years. Also to Scott Smith, Dad's close friend and neighbor, for all he did for Dad and his family. And finally, we would like to thank Nash UNC Healthcare Hospice for their support and help. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Randolph-Macon College, 114 College Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005-5505. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Location Not Available Tuesday 9/26, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Home of Kelly & Fred Frohbose Service Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Wednesday 9/27, 11:00 am Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801