Colonel Arthur Lee Ennis, MD, FACP, United States Army Reserve (retired), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015, after a brief illness.
Dr. Ennis was born in Lanett, where he spent his formative years. While a cadet at The Citadel, he volunteered to serve in World War II. He served in the US Army Air Force, as a waist gunner in B17s of the 8th Air Force, completing 13 missions, and flying out of Bury St. Edmunds, England.
Prior to his European service, he completed training in Sioux City, Iowa where he met his future wife, Helen, whom he married upon return from service.
After his service in World War II, Dr. Ennis completed his Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Auburn University and subsequently determined, after work in Houston, Texas and in Oak Ridge, Tenn. that he wanted to be a physician.
Dr. Ennis then attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine, with which he was associated for the remainder of his professional career.
Dr. Ennis served as a faculty member in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism for a period of time prior to relocating to Gadsden, to serve the community there.
Dr. Ennis held many leadership positions within the medical community in Gadsden through his dedication and leadership at Baptist Hospital and The Holy Name of Jesus Hospital.
In Gadsden, as well as in Birmingham, he was known as “The Physician’s Physician”.
Throughout his life, Dr. Ennis remained dedicated to United States military service.
He served with the 3345th United States Army Reserve Hospital, commanding the unit from 1987-1991.
He also served as the Command Surgeon for the 121st Army Reserve Command, and he volunteered and served for active duty in Paraguay, Argentina and the Republic of Panama.
Dr. Ennis was the recipient of numerous military awards during his service, the most prized of which was The Legion of Merit Award, which he received for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service and achievement.
Dr. Ennis and his wife traveled extensively throughout Europe, where he enjoyed practicing the languages that he loved: German, French and Spanish.
His lifelong interest in military history, firearms, sports cars and Civil War Reenactments (The Raccoon Ruffs) as well as his love of horticulture, sustained him.
He became a certified “master gardener” and dedicated many hours to helping others.
Dr. Ennis is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen; his son, Mr. William L. Ennis (Constance E. Livsey) of Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. Deborah Doineau (Philippe Doineau) of Nashville, Tenn., and Dr. David Ennis (Dr. Elizabeth Ennis) of Mountain Brook. Five grandchildren, whom he adored, also survive him, Eileigh and Emma Doineau, and Ian, Carter, and Katherine Ennis. Dr. Ennis was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Jean Ennis of West Point, Ga.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, at Collier-Butler Funeral Home in Gadsden from 9 until 10:30 a.m., immediately followed by a chapel service at Collier-Butler Chapel.
Dr. Ennis will be interred with military honors at the Alabama National Cemetery at Montevallo at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people donate a like amount to their favorite charities. The Ennis family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Hospital and McGuffey Nursing Home for their kindness and support.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com. –
Posted in: The Gadsden Times
Posted on: 2015-09-08
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gadsdentimes/obituary.aspx?n=arthur-lee-ennis&pid=175763245&fhid=5603#sthash.QgjfXK0B.dpuf