LIFE’S GOAL: HELPING OTHERS
When asked their philosophy of life, both Richard and Beverly Colditz enthusiastically responded, “To help others.” That has certainly been obvious from the number of years both served in the “healing professions”: Richard as an OB-GYN physician, and Beverly as a registered nurse. Together, they also would rear three wonderful children.
Although Richard and Beverly did not meet until they were adults, it seemed destined that both would find their way to Atlanta, Georgia.
Richard was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1939. His family, which also included an older brother, moved to Knoxville when Richard was four years old. He attended schools in that area, including two years of “pre-med” at the University of Tennessee. Fortunately, he was accepted into the medical program at the prestigious Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating in 1965. While there, Richard was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society.
To practice medicine, following graduation from medical school, an internship and a residency in a specialty is required prior to establishing practice. Again, fortunately, Richard was able to do both at Emory. His clinical experiences were at the notable Grady Hospital, ending with three years of residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1969.
At Grady Hospital, there were about 900 babies delivered each year. According to Richard, not all of them made it into the delivery room. He tells of the time he was assisting a lady give birth on an elevator. The lady looked at Richard and asked him to suggest a name for the baby. Thinking about their location on an Otis elevator, Richard suggested, “How about Otis?” “That’s good,” she replied, “Otis it is!”
Richard survived his year of internship, rotating through all the specialties. He later served as president of the Emory Resident’s Program and achieved a remarkable feat by meeting with all the powerful people at Emory and Grady, getting the salary of residents increased from $.50 an hour to $500.00 per month. Finally, a livable income! Richard’s life was not all hard work. It was during this time that he was introduced to, dated and married a beautiful, young nurse, Beverly Smith, who was teaching at Emory University.
Beverly was born in Bessemer, Alabama in 1937. She entered the University of Alabama Nursing Program, earning a B.S. in Nursing, and began her practice at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. Eventually, realizing she wanted to teach nursing, Beverley moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to teach at Emory University. To enhance her qualifications, she enrolled in the Masters of Science Nursing Program, completing requirements in 1968. However, she had not been in Atlanta long when she was introduced by a friend to a medical student by the name of Richard Colditz. Following two traditional-type dates, Richard decided to make a giant impression on Beverly by inviting her and another couple to dinner at his apartment. He was the cook! This was his menu: standing rib roast, asparagus casserole, and a scratch lemon icebox pie topped with homemade whipped cream. The two couples then went to a bowling alley and bowled until 4: 00 a.m. It must have made a good impression on Beverly because she and Richard were married in March 1966, during the one week that Richard had off as an intern.
Beverly and Richard were thrilled with the arrival of their first child, Stephen, in December 1966. He was soon followed by Cindy in 1967 and Jennifer in 1972. Life was difficult with a growing family, so it was necessary for Beverly to continue working during Richard’s residency.
Following his residency, Richard and family moved to Louisiana where he served two years in the Air Force as Captain at Barksdale Air Force base, practicing obstetrics and gynecology. Finding a good opportunity for practice, Richard and family moved to Carrollton, Georgia, where he joined three other OB-GYN physicians at Tanner Medical Center. Their practice served the area of west Georgia. During that time, Richard served on multiple organizations which supported medical practice, such as the hospital board, and as chief of the medical staff. In 1981, he served as state president of the OB-GYN Society. Finally, after working many 50- hour weekends on call, Richard confined his practice to gynecology, retiring in 2009.
When medical problems began to surface, Richard and Beverly decided to move to Memphis to be closer to their daughters. After research, they decided on Kirby Pines and moved into a garden home with their dog, Josh, in 2018.
In addition to their three children, Beverly and Richard are the proud grandparents of four, all of whom are doing well in their life choices. Beverly has lots of hobbies which keep her busy. She loves to decorate her house and lawn for seasonal celebrations. In fact, she has a collection of 56 small Dept 52 Snow Village houses and figurines she loves to use in her Christmas decorations. Naturally, both Beverly and Richard spend time watching Alabama sports! Richard unfortunately had a bad experience with COVID which left him with problems of balance and memory, which has affected his activities.
According to Richard, “We have met many good people at Kirby and are very grateful that we can receive good care for our various conditions. The move to Kirby was a good choice.”
Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.
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