Dr. Willoughby

Joseph Leeper Willoughby, MD, born October 15, 1934, died December 15, 2018. Born in Morristown TN, he is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. A. H. & Edna Pennington Willoughby and brothers Col. J. David Willoughby, Charles E. Willoughby, and Dr. William E. Willoughby. A graduate of Mt. Juliet High School, he attended George Peabody College and Memphis State University, graduating from The University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN in 1957. Following his graduation, he served as a medical officer in the US Navy for 3 years. He moved to Franklin in 1960 and began a Medical Career lasting 53 years.
Dr. Joe recognized a need for more geriatric care facilities soon after moving to Franklin. In response to the need, he envisioned and was responsible for the creation of Harpeth Terrace Convalescent Center (now Grace Healthcare) and Claiborne Hughes Convalescent Center (now Claiborne & Hughes Nursing & Rehabilitation Center).
In addition to his medical practice, he was an astute businessman and was active in a variety of organizations: the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Practice, Williamson County Medical Society. He served 45 years in the House of Delegates on the Long-Term Care Committee of the Tennessee Medical Association and received the TMA's "Outstanding Physician of the Year" in 2007. He was also active in The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, Elder of First Presbyterian Church, Franklin Noon Rotary Club, Founding
President of the Carnton Association (now part of Battle of Franklin Trust). He was active in the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, Co-Founder of Harpeth Academy (now BGA Lower School). He was the founding Secretary for State Volunteer Mutual Insurance Company and a member of the SVMIC Board of Directors from 1975-2007.
Dr. Joe will be remembered as a kind and caring physician whose desire was to do the best for his patients and remain current with medical advances. He loved living in Williamson County and truly embodied the 4 quadrants of the county seal: Agriculture, Education, Religion & History. Dr. Joe spent many recreational hours either on a tractor at his farm or hunting in a duck blind.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Chastain Willoughby, Son and Daughter in law J. Andrew (Andy) & Donna O'Neill Willoughby of Franklin, TN; Daughter and Son in law Beth W. & Jeff Beutel of Calhoun, GA, Grandchildren Amanda W. (Tommy) Holler, David A. Beutel, Scott T. Beutel, Great-grandchildren Hannah Michelle Ballow, Haven Grace Thompson, nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the wonderful caregivers from Senior Helpers who took great care of him in recent years.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial gift to Williamson Medical Center Foundation, Battle of Franklin Trust, or First Presbyterian Church, Franklin, TN.
Pallbearers: John W. Jones, grandsons, nephews, friends
Honorary Pallbearers: Ronald S. Ligon, Dr Kenneth Dodge, DeWees Berry IV, Dan Parsons, Calvin Lehew, Embree Blackwell, Dr. Grant Hensley, James T. Oglesby, members of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 18, 2018 from 4pm - 8pm at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home. Service will be Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 11am at First Presbyterian Church, 101 Legends Club Lane, Franklin, TN, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Visitation Details

Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am, First Presbyterian Church Franklin

Service Information

Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 11:00am, First Presbyterian Church Franklin