Dr. Melvin Wayne Deweese's Obituary
Dr. Melvin Wayne Deweese, of Memphis, TN and Sarasota, FL, passed away at his home at the Village of Germantown on September 11, 2022.
Melvin was born in Bardwell, KY. He graduated from Murray State with a degree in mathematics. At 6’ 7”, he was a star basketball player. Melvin then attended the University of Louisville Medical School and ultimately completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Melvin married his high school sweetheart Mary Jo Tegethoff, and they made a home together in Memphis with their two sons. Melvin practiced in Memphis for 65 years.
He loved to travel the world. In the early 1970s his family traveled to Bangalore, India to donate his time doing cataract surgeries. Melvin never met a stranger and was a great friend to many. He loved to joke with friends and family, and his big laugh will be missed by all.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Euwen J. and Otha Wells Deweese, a brother, Juitt Deweese, and a sister, Aletha Deweese Noble. He was also preceded in death by his wife and the mother of his two sons, Mary Jo Tegethoff Deweese; sons William W. Deweese and John A. Deweese; and his wife Zaidee Ozment Deweese.
He is survived by his daughters-in-law, Vicki Deweese and Dell Deweese; his grandchildren, William Jason Deweese, Melanie Deweese Morgan and her husband James, and Dr. Mary Dell Deweese and her fiancé Dr. Chris Greco; and his great grandchildren, William Hayes Morgan and Ansley Braxton Morgan. He is also survived by the children of Zaidee Ozment Deweese and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Service for family and friends will be held at the Fireside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave on Monday, September 26 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Melvin Deweese’s memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service, or the charity of your choice.
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