Dr. William Norman Jernigan, 94, of Columbia passed at his residence on February 15, 2022.
He was born in Waverly, TN, to Richard Parvin and Arbie Belle Stanfill Jernigan on January 24, 1928.
His family moved around but eventually settled in Oak Ridge, TN, where he graduated from high school. He then went on to join the Navy before attending Lamar College in Texas and medical school at Vanderbilt University. He then did his residency at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, California, where he met the love of his life, Janice Eileen Quick, who was a nurse at the hospital.
They went on to marry in 1959 and started their life together in Tennessee, first in Nashville, then moving to Columbia. Dr. Jernigan was the first Pediatrician in Columbia and started his practice downtown Columbia next to the library before moving to Hatcher Lane. He practiced pediatrics for 15 years.
In 1974, he made the decision to go back to residency and change his specialty to Anesthesia. Before returning to residency, a party was held in his honor and the mayor of Columbia declared a Dr. Jernigan Day. His patients were invited, and he was celebrated for his love and care for the children of Columbia.
Dr. Jernigan was an avid fisherman as well as a bird watcher. He was a member of the local Ornithological society for many years. He also enjoyed playing bridge every week for years. He was a lifelong golfer frequently playing at Stoneybrook Golf Course as the younger member of his group at age 89.
He was a member of West 7th Street Church of Christ for many years. He and Janice raised 7 children together and cared for over 30 foster kids throughout the years. His heart for children and for caring for people in need knew no bounds.
In addition to his wife Janice of 63 years, he is survived by his children Mickey (Erica McMillan), Perry (Luci), Tom (Maria), Dan (Necii), and Maggie. He is survived by 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his children, William Norman Jernigan Jr, and Martha Jernigan Love, as well as 7 brothers and sisters.
The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org.
