Dr. William "Bill" Wiley East, Jr.

Dr. William Wiley East, Jr., 80, known as “Bill” and “Doc” to friends and family, passed away on August 14, 2023, at home in West Point surrounded by family. Doc was born on September 1, 1942, in Meridian to the late William and Zexa Mae East. He was a graduate of Meridian High School, Meridian Junior College, the University Medical Center, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami. He served in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War while stationed in China Lake, CA, between 1968 and 1970. Following active duty, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserves, and he was honorably discharged in 1974. He was a proud veteran who loved his country. He practiced ophthalmology in Meridian from 1974 until his retirement in 1997. As a physician and surgeon, he would routinely provide free medical care to the less fortunate as well as to his former schoolteachers. As someone who was born into poverty, he knew that education was the only way to make a better way for himself and his family, and he always credited his former teachers for his success. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Harris East, on December 31, 1964, in Meridian, and they were blessed with two children. He was a loving father who would routinely make personal sacrifices to provide for his family’s needs and most of their wants. He was also very civically-minded and supported many local causes with his time, money, prayers, and gifts. He attended Riverside Chapel Baptist Church in West Point. He was an avid and devoted follower of Jesus Christ. When he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma two years ago and was only given a few months to live, he declared one’s death should reflect their love for Christ just as their life should. Up until his death, he preached the Word and witnessed to anyone that would listen. He was adamant that he did not have to cooperate with the doctors’ timeline for his passing, because he knew the Great Physician was in charge of his case. Survivors include his spouse, Mary East of West Point, his sister, Ann Wyche of Meridian, his daughter, Wendy Childress (Gene) of West Point, his son, Michael East (Tiffany) of Oxford, his granddaughters, Ashton Woodson (Jonathan) of Cedar Bluff, Madison Childress of Starkville, Anna Kathryn Middleton (Carver) of West Point, Julia Rae East of Oxford, Ava East of Oxford, and Michael Ann East of Oxford, and two great-grandchildren, Addison and Drew Woodson of Cedar Bluff. A private service officiated by Reverend Jim Sallee was held at Calvert Funeral Home on August 15, 2023, with no graveside activities. Memorials may be made to Riverside Chapel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 526, West Point, MS 39773, and/or Project Homestead of Clay County Mississippi, P.O. Box 891, West Point, MS 39773.

Dr. William "Bill" Wiley East, Jr.

September 1, 1942 - August 14, 2023