William W. Fore

William W. Fore, MD, passed away peacefully at his home in Black Mountain, North Carolina on January 23, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. He was 84 years old. He was a true southern gentleman, hailing from Lynchburg, Virginia and he touched the lives of many who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife Judy O’Neal Fore, his three children William Fore Jr, Tom Fore, Mary Tyler Fore, her partner, Rob Thomas, and grandchildren, Drew Palmer and Max Fore.

Bill will be remembered by friends and family alike for  his infectious laughter, his love of storytelling, his witty intellect, and his kind and generous heart. 

Bill began his career in medicine in 1966 as a practicing Endocrinologist in Greenville, North Carolina, after graduating from and training at Duke University School of Medicine. Bill was board certified in three specialties; Internal Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Endocrinology. His true love was caring for patients with diabetes and his proudest achievement was facilitating, in the early 80’s, insurance reimbursement in North Carolina for diabetes education. He later began an administrative career and held faculty positions at Jefferson Medical College, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and East Carolina School of Medicine. Before his first retirement, he was Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Pinehurst, North Carolina. He then joined the Joint Commission as a surveyor in their ambulatory services division. After his second retirement, Bill volunteered his time at the ABCCM Medical Ministry providing medical care for the uninsured.

Bill has spent much of his leisure time as an accomplished chef, an avid sailor, an orchid enthusiast, and genealogy buff. He and wife, Judy, also enjoyed exciting adventures while traveling abroad. In recent years, Bill spent many happy hours with friends and family enjoying good conversations, dinners, the men’s book club, and movie nights. He will be missed by many.

Arrangements are through Asheville Area Alternative Funeral and Cremation Services and burial will be at Carolina Memorial Sanctuary in Asheville on February 1, 2021. Due to Covid-19, only family will be at the graveside service. 

Memorials may be given to ABCCM Medical Ministry, Manna Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.

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