Will R. Doctor

Will Rogers (J.W.) Doctor was born June 30, 1948 in Columbia, SC to Bernice Broome Doctor and the late Frank Doctor, Jr. He was the oldest of seven children. He was united in marriage to Shelia Augustus Doctor. He departed this life on Friday, November 30, 2018 at Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital.

J.W. was educated in the public schools of Richland County. He moved to Jersey City, New Jersey where he was employed by Colgate Toothpaste Company. While in New Jersey he also was a professional wrestler. He returned to in the late 1970’s. He was a master brick mason by trade and a handyman for everyone.

He was known as the “Snake Man” by everyone in the community especially the children for his ability to handle snakes. The neighborhood children loved him dearly. December 4, 2018 was dedicated as J.W. Doctor Day at Forest Heights Elementary School. Everyone who knew him knew of his love for fishing. He was the happiest among family and friends. He was legendary on Brockington Rd. He and his sister Jenny were inseparable, always by each other’s side. He had a heart of gold. To know him was to love him.

In addition to his father, J.W. was preceded in death by his baby brother, Anthony Doctor, his maternal grandmother, Mattie Martha Broome, maternal grandfather, Charlie Broome, paternal grandmother, Emma Doctor, paternal grandfather, Frank Doctor, uncle and aunt, Bert and Virginia Hunter.

J.W. is survived by his mother, Bernice Broome Doctor, wife, Shelia Augustus Doctor, five children, Veronica X. (Bobby) Ashford, Joann R. (Leroy) Hill, Yolanda Moore, Tabitha Lee, and Laval Randall; two sisters, Frances Jennie Brice, and Wy’geanna Doctor McQueen; three brothers, Roosevelt Doctor, Bernard (Soledad) Doctor, and Frankie L. Doctor; six stepchildren, 33 grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, two God-brothers, Lawrence Doctor, and Frank (Arletha) Rawlingson; one aunt, Emma Broom Bruce of Bronx, New York; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dedicated life-long friends who will all miss him dearly.

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