William McCandless Petty Jr.

Dr. William McCandless Petty Jr., 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on August 8, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on December 8, 1940, Bill moved with his family to Santa Maria, California, after World War II, where his father established a practice of general pediatrics. Bill graduated from high school in Santa Maria before attending Stanford University and the University of Oregon. He earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kern General Hospital in Bakersfield, California, and served four years in the U.S. Army. During his military service, he spent three years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he completed a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology.

Bill and his wife, Evelyn, moved to Portland, Oregon, where he began practice as the first board-certified gynecologic oncologist in the state. He practiced gynecologic oncology for more than 30 years at Oregon Health & Science University and St. Vincent Hospital. Following retirement, they relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to be near their children and grandchildren.

A gifted physician and teacher, Bill was deeply committed to serving medically disadvantaged people around the world. He participated in medical missions and educational programs in the Philippines, Colombia, Haiti, Kenya, Gabon, Mali, and India. His most enduring international connection was with the Christian Medical College in Vellore, India.

Bill's Christian faith, which began in his teenage years following a close brush with death, remained the foundation of his life. He served faithfully in church leadership and Community Bible Study. He was devoted to his family and his Lord.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn Twisselmann Petty and their children Christine (Petty) Brindley, John Petty, and William Jeffrey Petty, as well as his two daughters from a previous marriage, Diane Friederich and Kathryn Banducci. He is also survived by his 12 dear grandchildren and extended family.

A private family graveside service was held on August 13, 2026. The Scripture Bill selected for the service was John 17:3: “And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

He will be remembered for his compassionate care, humble faith, and lifelong commitment to serving others.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vellore Christian Medical College Foundation https://vellorecmc.org/ or St. Baldrick’s Foundation https://www.stbaldricks.org/