George William ” Bill” Lazenby III, M.D. passed away peacefully on December 30, 2020, in Clearwater, FL. He was born in Bluefield, WV, on October 18, 1934. Dr. Lazenby graduated from Davidson College in 1957 and from Duke Medical School in 1961.
He began his military service with the United States Army in 1961 and completed an internship at Walter Reed Medical Center in 1962, after which he completed training at the U.S. Naval School of Aerospace Medicine in 1963.
As a flight surgeon Dr. Lazenby took care of service members and their families and also flew both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Dr. Lazenby was awarded the Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal for the meritorious service and valor he displayed during missions he flew while stationed in Verona, Italy, from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1966.
After his military service Dr. Lazenby completed a residency and fellowship in ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. He practiced briefly in Boston, MA, and subsequently moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida. Dr. Lazenby practiced ophthalmology in Florida for over 40 years. He had staff privileges at several institutions including Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, where he served as Chief of Staff from 1980-1981 and 1984-1985, and Morton Plant Hospital, where he served as Chief of Ophthalmology from 1989-1990.
Dr. Lazenby continued to attend staff meetings at Morton Plant Hospital even after his retirement from the active practice of medicine. Dr. Lazenby and his wife, Ellen, were married on February 11, 1972. Together they raised two children, Soosie L. Lazenby and George William “Will” Lazenby IV.
Dr. Lazenby was a beloved physician and respected member of the community. His patients, staff, friends, and family held him in the highest regard and considered him a true southern gentleman with a heart of gold.
In his younger years Dr. Lazenby was an avid snow skier and loved to play golf.
He was an incredible husband and father and set a sterling example for his children of kindness and selflessness. He is and will be terribly missed.
Dr. Lazenby will be laid to rest during a private ceremony at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater, FL.
In addition to his loving wife and children, he is also survived by his son-in-law, George William Spowart.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made in Dr. Lazenby’s honor to the Morton Plant Mease Foundation or Southeastern Guide Dogs. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/9978851
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