Dr. William McCartney Hibbitts

William M. “Mack” Hibbitts passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug 13, 2022. He was a long-time member of the Midland community both professionally and personally. He had a rich, full life and will be fondly remembered by family and friends.

A visitation with family and friends will be held 6:00pm-8:00pm, Friday, August 19, 2022 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland.  The funeral service will take place at 2:30pm, Saturday, August 20, 2022 at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church.  Interment will be held at 1:00pm, Monday, August 22, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

Born in Texarkana in 1925, Hibbitts’ pursuit of a career as a physician was not surprising. His father was a general practitioner and surgeon who worked for the Cotton Belt Railroad which ran from St. Louis to Texarkana. After graduation from high school and junior college, Mack attended Vanderbilt University where he received both his undergraduate and medical degrees. He completed residencies in St. Louis, Baltimore, and Memphis. He entered the military during the Korean conflict, but as Mack said, “My trunk went to Korea and I went to France.” A last minute change in orders sent him to serve with the Army Medical Corps at a supply depot in the South of France. Following his discharge from the service, he began practicing medicine in Dallas.

In 1959, he married his wife, Edna, whom he met at a mutual friend’s wedding. They established their family in the community of University Park while Mack worked as a general practitioner in Dallas. In 1970, Dr. Walter Parks recruited Mack to come to Midland where he joined the medical community. He practiced internal medicine at the Western Clinic. Mack branched out after several years and established himself in private practice as an Internist.

After attending a hospice conference in California along with three others – Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity Rector Sam Hulsey, community volunteer, Sharon Holman and Gail Wilson, a nurse, Mack was instrumental in starting Hospice of Midland. He served as the first Medical Director of Hospice of Midland and was influential in getting the Midland County Medical Society to become involved with the program.

Mack Hibbitts credits his parents with instilling him with the obligation to quietly give service back to the community. His father served on the school board and was presented with the Silver Beaver Award for service to the Boy Scouts. Mack, himself, earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His mother, who studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, was the church organist and choir director at the Presbyterian Church in Texarkana. She was a charter member of the Girl Scouts, the Junior League, and the Red Cross. While she quietly carried out her volunteer roles in the community, she was able to motivate others to volunteer as well.

Along with his service to Hospice of Midland, Mack served two terms on the board of Manor Park. His tenure on the board occurred during a lot of development and expansion of Manor Park including two extensive capital building programs.

As a result of his service to the community, Mack has received numerous awards including the Golden Deeds Award in 2006. He was recently given an honorary award by the Exchange Club (2022).

Throughout Mack’s life, faith has been of utmost importance. He has been a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. He has been an active member of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Midland where he has served on the vestry and in other leadership roles since 1970.

After retiring from medical practice, Mack became an avid painter. He took painting classes at Midland College. He also was an active member in the Pallet Club of Midland.

Mack is survived by his wife, Edna Brown Hibbitts; his daughter Edna Wright (Harry IV); his sons William “Porter” (Caren) and John (Robin); grandchildren: Joshua, Benjamin, Taylor, Sara, Connor, Jack, and Catherine; and nephew, Bill Kittrell (Ann).

He was preceded in death by his twin brother, John; father (William); mother (Katherine); sister, Frances Kittrell; and niece, Kathy Petifer.

Memorial donations may be made to Family Promise of Midland, www.familypromiseofmidland.com or Senior Link Midland 3301 Sinclair Ave. Midland, Texas 79707.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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