William Aultman

Dr. William Andrew Aultman died peacefully in the presence of family in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Sept. 6, 2018, at the age of 63, leaving this world better than he found it. Born in Albany, Ga., to Ina Ruth “Doof” and Andrew James “Bo” Aultman, he was the younger brother of Zack and Mitch. He grew up in Sylvester, Ga., and was a graduate of Worth County High School. Will went on to graduate with honors from Valdosta State and the University of Georgia with degrees in biology and agricultural economics where he was also a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He finished medical school at the Medical College of Georgia and went on to complete his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Augusta. Known for his kind and caring bedside manner, he returned to his roots in South Georgia, where he began a private practice as a board certified OB-GYN with Klemann, Ricketson, Aultman, and Sewell in Albany. In 1996, he joined the practice of OB-GYN Associates at the Veranda, where he served his patients until his retirement in 2012. Will’s professional affiliations included being a fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a member of the Georgia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, the Medical Association of Georgia, and the Dougherty County Medical Society. During his medical career, he also served as the Vice President and Secretary of the Medical Staff at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, as well as Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Will was a lifetime student of medicine, family, animals, and life. With his hands, he delivered thousands of babies into the arms of parents and healed the lives of countless women. With his mind, he devoured thousands of books and was a seeker of knowledge. With his heart, he gave to his family love, stability, and education. Will’s heart was captured by his loving and devoted wife of 22 years, (Clara) Drew Gunnels. Their love brought Andrew into the world, joining his two older brothers, Hilsman and Jordan Knight. Will’s love of world travel, animals, medicine, hunting, and reading, though passionate, was secondary to his love for Drew and his three boys. Six years ago, Will was diagnosed with the neurological disease Corticobasal Degeneration. Despite the challenges of the disease, they never tarnished his perfection of manners and grace as a true southern gentleman. He rescued what became his loyal canine companion, Annie, and continued to demonstrate the love and compassion to her that he had shown his family, friends, and patients. In the last years of his life, Will continued to exhibit poise, grace in adversity, and good humor. His spirit will continue to live on in all of us who love animals, tend the sick, extend courtesy, read a good book, ponder the hard questions, have a good laugh, and love our families. He leaves behind a legacy of a life well lived as mentor and a role model to his family, friends, colleagues, and patients. Will was preceded in death by his father, Andrews James “Bo” Aultman, and his mother, Ina Ruth “Doof” Aultman. Survivors include his wife, Drew Gunnels Aultman; sons, Hilsman Knight, Jordan Knight (Kristen), and Andrew Aultman; his brother, Zachary Aultman (Debi); his sister, Mitchelyn Aultman; his stepmother, Sarah Enid Aultman; stepsister, Laurel Bradshaw (Gayle); stepbrother, Lanier Bridges Jr. (Diane); and numerous nieces and nephews. Albany First United Methodist Church will host his memorial service on Friday, Sept. 14, at 4 p.m., with the Rev. Mike McAfee and the Rev. Jack Kale presiding. A visitation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Albany Humane Society, or the Chattanooga McKamey Animal Center.