Dr. James William “Bill” Wotring Jr
Jan 09, 1935Jan 20, 2019
Celebration of Life
Location
Westminster Canterbury
Date
Fri, February 08, 2019
Time
3 : 30 PM – 12 : 00 AM
Obituary message
Dr. James William “Bill” Wotring Jr., 84, passed away Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, Va. Born Jan. 9, 1935, in Rowlesburg, W.Va., he was the son of the late James William Wotring Sr. and Phyllis Miller Wotring. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Sawyer Wotring; and his son, James “Jay” William Wotring III. He graduated from Medical College of Virginia and worked as a OBGYN at Catawba Women’s Center and was an Air Force veteran. He is survived by his daughter, Alison Crenshaw and husband, Scott, of Richmond; five granddaughters, Isabel, Hastings, and Tatem Crenshaw, all of Richmond, Lila and Hudson Wotring, both of Tega Cay, S.C.; brothers, Bob and Joe Wotring; and sister, Charlotte Hartman. A celebration of life will be held at Westminister Canterbury in Richmond, Friday, Feb. 8, at 3:30 p.m.
Allison My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your loss. I know he will be greatly missed. I was his first nurse when he came to Hickory to practice. I know you don’t remember me, because you were very yoong. I worked for him 7 yrs and he was a wonderful caring boss and doctor. His laugh was joyful and distinct and spread much joy.
On behalf of your 1st cousins C. “Brian” Wotring and Phillip Wotring of Roanoke, Va and Rowlesburg, WV. It has been a long time since we’ve been together but have fond memories of our growing up in the West Virginia hills. We admired your intellect and your success in life. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family who I know now have a huge hole in their hearts with your passing. You descend from Revolutionary soldiers and pioneers of our great country. May you rest in eternal peace along with those who have gone before, especially your wife Vivian and son Jay.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. I will always cherish the time I was privileged to work with Dr Wotring at Catawba Womens Center. I have wonderful memories that he helped us make. He was a wonderful Doctor and loved my many, all who knew him were truly blessed.
Dr. Wotring was a kind, compassionate soul and delivered my 2 children. I can still recall being in the last throws of labor, with Dr. Wotring and my husband vividly discussing WVU football all the while I’m cursing.
He will be fondly remembered.
May God fill you and your family will warm memories and many stories of Dr. Wotring’s personal life and professional career.
As a nurse at Catawba Valley Medical Center, I had the great privilege to share my career alongside Dr. Wotring. Not only was he my OB/GYN but a dear friend. We shared many special times while working together. He was always there for me as a support and often coach. His smile and sincere love for others will always be cherished. I will always be grateful to have known him. Keeping your family in my prayers.
Dear family of Dr. Wotring. There is nothing I can tell you about him that you don’t already know. He was an amazing man and physician. Not only was I his patient, but, worked in Catawba with him for years. He was a precious soul, and, I know you will miss him so very much. He was loved.
Alison, very sorry to hear about your Dad. Your Mom and Dad were great friends to Josh, Sam and Me during our days at LHCC and I have very fond memories of them both.
Dr Wotring and Dr Bronnenberg were the reasons I am an RN today! I worked at the Woman clinic as a medical secretary, but I would be in the back helping the nurses whenever I could. They decided I would make a better nurse than secretary, so they signed some papers for me to get a scholarship so I can complete my nursing degree at LEnoir Rhyne. He said At his birthday roast that sending me to school was one of his best investments! I ended up teaching nursing at CVCC and ended up as Dean of health programs there… all thanks to him!
He also showed me how to deliver a baby when I was a L&D nurse at CVMC and would u believe it, I had to deliver a baby the next day. He was also by OBGYN and we would always have the biggest laughs together. His belly laugh and zest for life is what I remember about him! He was also one of my husband’s favorite people!
My prayers for comfort and peace to you, Allison, and your family.
Best big brother and role model.We loved him very much.Our family prayers are with you and your family Alison.
Dr Wotring was my first doctor and was a wonderful person. My mom worked for him for several years and I thought very highly of him. He will be greatly missed
Alison and family, We were so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He and your mother were our dear friends since MCV. Both were in our wedding. We have so many happy memories of them both.
We hope to be able to be in Richmond to help celebrate his life.
Wishing you peace, comfort, and healing, Trisha and John Shoemaker
I will remember Uncle Bill’s laughter, making the Wotring bread with him & his jovial, positive look on life. Alison, we are so sorry for your loss, sending prayers to you & your family.
Alison, so sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. His laugh was contagious. I remember the first time I met your mother, I was walking around the circle barefooted pushing Laura in her stroller and Hal was riding his tricycle, and Vivian drove by and stopped. Y’all were going to be moving into the neighborhood soon and she was checking on the house. She told me that the circle was the place for her. She liked the fact that the neighbors were outside with the children and she could also go barefooted. Years after you moved, I would see Bill in the grocery or some other place and he always had that wonderful laugh. God bless you and your family.
Allison, I was so sorry to learn of your father’s death. I worked for Dr. Wotring at The Woman’s Clinic and feel so privileged to have known him. He was one of the finest men you would ever want to meet and his laughter couldn’t be beat. He made work fun and after he left our clinic to join Catawba Womens Center, I called him on his birthday every single year after that until his move to be near you a few years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope many wonderful memories bring you comfort in the coming days.
He was such a lovely man with a wonderful belly laugh. Alison, please accept my deepest condolences. I am very sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of your family from the “circle” neighborhood where we grew up.
A great man of medicine that will truly be missed. He was so kind to me while I was pregnant with my first child. He made it as stress free as any Doctor could. Rest easy my friend.
A wonderful funny man who we have missed greatly here in Hickory. Allison our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time Rest in peace dear one!
I worked at CVMC, with Dr. Wotring for 29 years, in the Burthing Center. I had my first delivery with him. On his call days he would spend the evening with us. He made work fun and the air was always filled with laughter when he was around. I’ve often thought of him since I moved across the country and was so sad to hear of his passing. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Dr. Wotring was one of a kind. He was the first one of the Drs. at Catawba Womens Center that I saw when pregnant and scared at only 16, instead of lecturing me about being so young, He took the time to talk to me and calm my fears. He saw me through that pregnancy and 3 more. I will always be grateful for the kindness that He showed. Sending Prayers for Peace and Comfort to the Family.
Dr Wotring was my first gynecologist, and I loved him from the very first appointment. He was always a joy, and I never dreaded that yearly appointment. I was very sad to hear of his passing. I am praying for his family and friends.
Alison, I am very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He will be missed by all who knew him and the lives he has touched. Dr. Wotring was my favorite doctor ever! He delivered my first child 34 years ago. It was an honor to know him and laugh with him over the years. He was truly a great doctor who cared for his patients.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Alison. Your dad was my favorite OBGYN at Catawba Women’s Center. Saw me through two pregnancies in the early 70’s and delivered my second daughter. I had my first daughter on my due date and told your dad what time my second one would arrive! Missed it by 10 minutes. He and my husband predicted about three hours later! He always kidded me about that! He has been missed in Hickory but happy you were able to spend his last years together. He was a very kind and compassionate man. God bless.
I’m so sorry to hear about the death of Dr. Wotring. He was my first OBGYN Dr. in 1969. He delivered my first daughter almost 43 years ago. She was two weeks overdue and my 25th birthday was coming up. Dr. Wotring induced my labor so she was born the day before my birthday. I wanted her to have a B’day of her own. He was not on call when my second daughter was born. I was a patient until he quit practicing. He was a precious soul and would discuss anything. We joked over the years about our weight. He would always say, “We both need to loose some weight!” I always got a big bear hug when my appointment was over. I’m so sorry for your lose. You can have memories of how many people he loved and helped over the years.
He was a wonderful doctor but more importantly, he was a wonderful man. I haven’t worked with him since 1998, but I still tell stories about him. He’s always been a giant of a man in my mind. I can’t leave out the fact that he could have left medicine at any time to become a comedian. He still makes me laugh. I’ll always love you “Howard” ❤️ Rest In Peace with your love……
He was a wonderful person. I loved his laugh. I remember him growing up in Hickory and my wife worked with him at Catawba Women’s Center years later. I am glad he is reunited with Vivian and Jay. Nothing but nicest things were ever said about him.
What a swee precious man. Dr. Wotring delivered my second child just over years ago. I owe him my son’s life. Thank you Dr. Wotring for being such a great doctor.
I loved Dr.Woyring, he was a special Person, He will be missed, praying for you all.
So sorry for loss god as a great man now . I was very young when I got pregnant he was so good to me . Told my mom not need to fuss at me just to be there for me . He made everyone laugh great man . I wanted him to deliver my first child but dr surginer did . So thankful he was my dr
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Wotring was such a special person. I worked with him at Catawba Memorial Hospital and he was always a joy to work with and I especially remember his laugh , the entire nurses station would be laughing just by listening to him laugh . I am so glad I was blessed to have worked with him.
Dr. Wotring and Catawba Womens Center took care of me during my triplet pregnancy. My triplets are now almost 20 and in college. Sweet Dr. Wotring was almost always on call when I went to the hospital in preterm labor. He made me feel like we would be ok and we were. I have very fond memories of a special man.
To the loved ones of Dr. Wotring, I am so sorry for your loss. He was my Dr. from the age of 17 until I was almost 60. He delivered all 4 of my daughters and I will always remember him with joy and thankfulness. His wonderful personality helped each delivery be less stress and more great memories. For years after he retired, when returning to CWC for appointments, us ladies in any waiting area would end up talking about Dr. Wotring and how much we missed him. What a life well lived. What a special man, that will be remembered fondly by so many.
Bill & I had some great times fly fishing with other friends. Bill & I weren’t the best fishermen, but we really had fun together. He was always in good spirits and made the fishing trips great experiences. I will always have fond memories of him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I had the pleasure of working for Dr. Wotring for 15 years and he taught me so much. He not only cared for his patients but he cared for his staff. We always knew when he was working. No matter where you were in the office you could hear him laughing. He always made me feel like part of his family. He will be missed but never forgotten.
I in 1990 I became an L&D nurse! My dream! And Dr. Wotring & Surginer helped put my dream into action. They supported me until I went from a novice to a confident RN:L&D. He had some salty language if tryed & got it wrong with a laugh & a bear hug if you didn’t! Think he tolerated me when I bought a yellow motorcycle during a mid-life crisis, (just ask me not to park in staff parking) . Think he busted a shirt button with pride when I graduated from NP school! He hated mediocre or laziness in life & work. His patients could tell him everything! & there was never a replacement provider for them! I am so glad he gets to be with his love Vivian! See you soon! You were a class act, thanks for my years with you at CWC (& fun holiday parties too)! God Bless!
So sad to hear that this brilliant man with a giant heart is gone from this earth, but with his love, Vivian. The wonderful belly laugh, the hugs, support, and education he shared with us a CVMC will never be forgotten. As a pharmaceutical rep, he was so supportive and helped me believe in myself. He gave the best advice and pushed us to be our best version of ourselves. Loved him! So sorry for his family.
Enjoyed my days at Catawba Hospital working with Dr. Wotring! He took good care of me through a very difficult pregnancy. His laugh was infectious! I’m sure he will be missed terribly. Prayers to the family!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. A wonderful man who will be greatly missed.
He was a wonderful doctor I! Started seeing him in 1974. We always talked about our family and was was going on . He made me so comfortable and could tell him everything. He was one of a kind! Loved him very much . Not many doctors like him anymore. My prayers go out to the family and friends.
Allison I am so sorry to hear about your sweet father! Loved him dearly! Prayers for your family. Michelle Mitchell-Impagliazzo
What a sweet and wonderful man! Dr. Wotring delivered me and then I had the privilege of working with him at CWC for a number of years as a nurse. I always thought that was so special. I loved hearing his laugh from down the hall. It instantly made you smile and put you in a good mood and then he cussed a little. He will be missed dearly. My thoughts are with your family during this time.
Dr. Wotring was always a caring, wonderful Dr., With a story to tell and make you laugh. He was always there to help me through miscarriages, female surgeries, and delivered our children. No one could ever ask for a better Dr.and know he is missed.
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your dad was such an amazing man and Dr. He had the most infectious laugh he always made me laugh and smile at work. I worked with him for many years, and he was my doctor. It is truly an honor to have been blessed with his friendship and love.
Such a wonderful, dear person and great physician. He comforted me and my husband during our loss many years ago. His compassion inspired me to become a nurse. Holding those grieving the loss of Dr Wotring in prayer. May you find comfort knowing the impact Dr Wotring made in others’ lives and the ripple effect caused by his beautiful heart.
I was shocked and saddened by this news. Dr. Wotring delivered me in 1970 as a premiee that should have not survived if not for him and his amazing nurses. He delivered my husband in 1973. Later as a nurse at Catawba Valley Medical Center I had the pleasure of working with him and his quick wit made life interesting every time he was on call. We even planned that if needed he would deliver our son. I remember him saying,” I could deliver the child or children I delivered, shit I am old, but I have done it before I think.” Fond memories of this great man. I shudder to think of how many lives he brought into this world. Fly high Dr. Wotring, thy good and faithful servent you have done well.
Dr. Wotring will forever be one of my favorite people. He became my doctor when I was 11 and remained my doctor for 40+ years. He delivered my daughter and probably saved my life. A great loss for your family and for all of us.
So sorry for your loss. Dr Wotring was a great man and friend too. I loved his laughter and all the times he would sit at the desk and talk. I started working with him in 1988 and boy was he the greatest person that you would ever want to work with he taught me so much in labor and delivery. I loved to care for his patients because all I had to do was pick up the phone and he would be there. It was truly an honor and blessing to have known such a great man.
Allison my condolences to you and your family. Your dad was my first OBGYN and saw me through 3 pregnancies. He was the sweetest and most wonderful physican I know.
Dr. Wotring delivered my second child. He was a kind and caring man. He always had a joke to tell. I am sorry for your loss.
Allison and family, May you feel comfort from God’s loving arms during this time. I loved your Dad and his jovial laugh. We worked together at CVMC and he was also my Gyn Dr. We have laughed together more than once til we nearly cried. I know you will miss him. He loved your Momma. I know he is rejoicing to be back with her.
De Wotring was a wonderful doctor. He delivered my youngest son and was my dr until he retired. So sorry for your loss!!!
He was one of the best! He had such a great sense of humor. I remember being pregnant with my first daughter and he had to remove a skin tag from a sensitive area on my chest.. I asked him if it was going to hurt and he said it’s not going to hurt me a bit. And laughed. All in good humor. He will be missed, such a good and caring man. Another funny experience with him was my first rotation in L&D. I was a student and we could not be sniffly or coughing so I took 2 doses of cold medicine so I woudn’t Miss my first delivery. He said if anyone gets light headed just back up against the wall. After the baby’s head came out I got a little woozy and he told me I did the best faint of any student he had ever had. Just backed up and slid down the wall passed out cold. I woke up to bloody hose and shoes because he turned around and raised my feet above my heart. Needless to say he reminded me of that experience well into my career. Gods speed!
Allison and Family, May you feel God’s Blessing’s and comfort during this time. I had the honor of working with your Dad for many years at Catawba Valley Medical Center when it was named Catawba Memorial Hospital. I will always remember his laughter and kindness to me. He delivered my last two children and did surgery on me several times. He remained my GYN doctor after he retired from delivery babies. I moved to Florida for several years but, I always made my yearly appointments with him. That was how much I cared and loved him as my doctor. I know you will miss him but, there are so many of us (nurses) that will miss him too. There are so many good memories of your Dad that there is not enough room to write them all. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Wotring was my physician for very many years. He wa dedicated to his profession and made you feel as you were the only one there. He always had a smile and oh so funny. He delivered my first child. God bless the family and now we have him to watch over us. May he rest in peace and he will never be forgotten.
Dr Wotring was my hero, a good friend, my best Dr., and surgeon, and a wonderful co worker, RIP my friend
Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of a beloved doctor. He was the best! He delivered my daughter in 1981 and was the sweetest soul through the whole process. Praying for the family and friends, that they are comforted by God’s grace and peace.
Prayers to your family for your loss, but I hope all your memories ease your sorrow. I moved to Hickory and took a job in Catawaba Memorial Hospital in 1976 as a young nurse in L&D. I loved most all the doctors there ,but by far Dr Wotring was my FAVORITE. He was a very kind, funny, compassionate man who I have always remembered and told stories of even though I only worked with him for 2.5 years. RIP Dr Wotring and I hope you have your Boom Box radio set to a good game. 📻🤣.
Deepest sympathy and prayers for peace for your family.I worked with Dr Wotring at CVMC on The Birthing Center,truly a special man with the Greatest laugh.He will be missed and has left a special place on many of hearts.
Allison and family, My heart aches for you and your family. I started working for Dr. Wotring in July 1972 and retired from CWC in March 2015. He taught me so much and I will never forget all that he did for me. Such a beautiful person. May all the happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
Cathy Ollis
Great dr who will be missed. He delivered my 1st son in 1987 and 3rd son 1991, out of 4 boys. He was really good with me. Dr Surginer delivered my 2nd son and Dr Miller delivered my last son.
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My grandad had the most infectious laugh and everyone that met him was automatically in a much better mood. The one thing I regret the most is that I was unable to spend as much time as I wanted with him. My best memory is when we would stand in their kitchen and would make his famous bread, yes bread. That may not seem that important but it was the best time and we had so much happiness and laughter in the air.❤️