Dr. William Merle Woods

Source: "Crawford & Sebastian Counties: Physicans & Medicine: 1817-1976"
Story Submitted by Deborah Musgrove


Dr William Merle Woods, son of George Gideon & Sarah Alice Edwards Woods. Husband of Mary Seawel, married July 2, 1939. Father of George William MD. & Jerry Sewel Woods.

Dr. Woods was a graduate of Mansfield High School, The University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts: Master of Science & Medical Degree. Dr. Woods did his internship at California Luthern Hospital in Los Angles, CA., & his residency at Clara Barton Hospital in Hollywood, CA. Dr. Wood was a Family Practioner: which included OG-GYN & General Surgery.

During World War II (1942) he was a Flight Surgeon with the 312th Bomber Squadron in North Africa. He also served with the 56th Fighter Group in Europe.

Dr. Woods was a member of the Sebastian County Medical Society, Arkansas Medical Society, American Medical Association, Charter Member of the Flying Physicians, Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners & the American Academy of Group Practice. He served as Chief of Staff at Saint Edwards Hospital in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Ar. 1909-1978 Having the distinction of being the youngest to enter the University of Arkansas, which he did at age 15, Dr. Merle Woods returned to Huntington in 1934. Carrying on his father's tradition. Dr. Merle would go whereever he was needed treating everyone, rich or poor, with the same selfless devotion. - Hulntington, Arkansas - Historical Archive

April 1, 1937
Southwest American