RALEIGH - John Walter Vassey, M. D., died at home on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection was Tuesday, Dec. 30, at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Raleigh. Burial was at Montlawn Memorial Park following the service.

He was born in Pacolet, S.C., to the late Emul Edward Vassey Sr. and Myrtle G. Vassey. He served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman during WWII.

He completed his residency in radiology and earned his board certification from the American Board of Radiology in 1967. He became Chief of Radiology at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Louisburg, McPherson Hospital (now NC Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat) in Durham, and Camp Butner Hospital.

Surviving: wife, Nancy Thorkelson Vassey; sister, Bess Loftis of Brevard; and 22 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Emul Edward Vassey, H. William Vassey, and sister, Jean V. Patton.

Memorials may be made to White Memorial Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church, Garner, or the charity of your choice, in Dr. Vassey’s name.

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh.