ACUFF, DR. WILLIAM JOSEPH - age 81, passed away peacefully Friday morning, March 16, 2012, at his beloved home and farm in South Knoxville. He was preceded in death by parents P.B. (Pink) and Delphia Mills Acuff; brother, Burgess Acuff; sister, Mary Acuff Cullum, and son, John Acuff. Dr. Bill Acuff was a loving father and husband, revered physician, trusted friend, and respected community leader. Early in life while growing up in Caruthersville, Missouri, Bill realized he could be a conduit for God's love through service to the sick and destitute, following the mandate of Matthew 25:40. Doctor Acuff graduated in 1956 from University of Tennessee School of Medicine at Memphis and did his residency and internship at UT Hospital in Knoxville where he later became Chief of Surgery. Bill became Chief of Staff at Baptist Hospital, specializing in colon and rectal surgery. He received numerous accolades for his skills as a physician: he was named a fellow in the American College of Surgeons as well as "Physician of the Year" for all Tennessee Hospital Systems; he served many years on the Board of Trustees of Baptist Health Systems; and he was honored with the "Vision Award" for Baptist Hospital. Aside from the honors, he will be remembered as a compassionate healer, a humble heart, and a gentle tease who often opined: "How long, Oh Lord, How long!". In retirement, Bill devoted himself to medical missions overseas and in Appalachia, and he especially enjoyed mentoring young medical students. For more than 50 years, Bill was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Knoxville. He supported and encouraged the Baptist Collegiate Ministry for many years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. A dedicated historian and preservationist, Bill served on the advisory board of the Museum of Appalachia. His love of Acuff genealogy led him to write his family history. He also served a four- year term as president of the Sons of the Revolution for Tennessee. Bill was a consummate Vol fan; a hiker in the Smokey Mountains(having been a former Eagle Scout); a lover of creatures great and small, especially his chickens and peacocks; and a music and theatre enthusiast. Dr. Bill Acuff was a remarkable soul who will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of thirty- six years, Sandra McKinnish Acuff and beloved children: Bill Acuff Jr. and wife Yarit of Atlanta, GA; Jane Acuff and partner Linda of Decatur, Georgia; Lisa Acuff of Gatlingburg, TN; Mary Acuff of Pigeon Forge, TN; Alex Acuff and wife Samantha of Atlanta, GA; and Nora Acuff of Knoxville, TN. Bill is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, mother-in-law Evelyn Kent, sister Evelyn Lawes, sister-in-law Vickie Pecsok, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank doctors, staff, and hospice nurses from UT Medical Center for the extraordinary care given to Dr. Bill Acuff. Friends will be received Sunday, March 18 from 6-8pm at Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway. A celebration of Dr. Acuffs' life will begin at 3pm, Monday, March 19 in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, Rev. Dave Ward officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family kindly requests that remembrances to Dr. Acuff be made to the Foundations of Missions, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, 1811 Melrose Ave., Knoxville, TN 37916.

Published in Knoxville News Sentinel from March 17 to March 19, 2012