Dr. Oscar Brewster Harrington's Obituary
Dr. Oscar Brewster Harrington, 86, died peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on July 17, 2013. Born August 6, 1926 in Pine Bluff Arkansas to Ophelia Brewster and Leroy John Harrington, Dr. Harrington leaves behind his bride of 62 years, Barbara, three sons, Brewster (Connie), David and Clayton (Bisha) and their families of 8 grandchildren – Grace(Matt), Josh (Amanda) and Eli (Meghan); Hunter and Savannah; and Jake (Ella), Lauren, Austin (deceased) and Caleb – and 6 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother, Leroy (El Paso), and sister, Nancy Currey (Dallas), many loving nieces, a nephew and a legacy of relationships from different generations and different walks of life – he will be greatly missed. Dr. Harrington served in the US Navy after graduating from Benton (AR) H.S. He went to the University of Arkansas and studied medicine and graduated from the University of Arkansas Medical School where he met and married his bride Barbara Brothers of Little Rock. He was in family practice in Palestine, TX prior to moving to Houston to study General and Thoracic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine from 1959 – 1964. He was certified with the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery. In 2006 he was awarded the Tennessee Outstanding Physician for his leadership and “tremendous contributions” in the field of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery for over 50 years; his accomplishments included being a clinical assistant professor and instructor in Thoracic Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center and memberships in American Medical Association, the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and the Michael DeBakey International Cardiovascular Society. He was also a past President of The Southern Thoracic Surgery Association, the Southern Surgical Society, and the Memphis Heart Association. He also was the Methodist Hospital Foundations Living Award recipient in 1992. Among other accomplishment Dr. Harrington performed the first heart transplant at Methodist Hospital and practiced and grew the Heart Institute at Methodist University Hospital for over 40 years. All of those career milestones led to the honor of Methodist University Hospital naming the O. Brewster Harrington Cardiac Clinical Care Unit after him in February 2012. Dr. Harrington was a sportsman enjoying hunting, fishing and canoeing and lived what he preached by keeping active through swimming and golf. He was a past City Champion in handball and over the years loved basketball, football and tennis. A Memorial service will be held on Monday July 22, 2013 at 2:00 at Christ United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Maxie Dunham presiding. Visitation will follow at Christ United Methodist. Memorial contributions may be given to the glory of God to The Methodist Hospital Foundation, The Church Health Center, Christ United Methodist Church or to the ministry of your choice.
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