William R. East, M.D.

William Robert East, M.D. passed away peacefully at the age of 91 at his home. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, he was raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he spent his early years before pursuing his lifelong calling in medicine. 

William Robert East graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1961. Following medical school, he completed his internship at Brooke Army Medical Center and his dermatology residency at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, serving more than nine years in the United States Air Force Medical Corps. 

In 1969, William Robert East, M.D. moved to Amarillo, Texas to begin his dermatology career. Over the course of 61 years practicing medicine, including 50 years leading his own dermatology practice, he cared for generations of patients in Amarillo and across the Texas Panhandle. Known for his dedication, professionalism, and kindness, he built a respected practice supported by a loyal staff and many memorable office trips and vacations together. 

He retired in 2019 at the age of 85. William Robert East, M.D., was deeply involved in both the medical and Amarillo communities. He served as President of the Potter-Randall County Medical Society and remained an active member throughout his career. He also served on the boards of the Better Business Bureau, Presbyterian Children’s Home, and United Way, and was a lifetime member of the Amarillo Rotary Club, where he was recognized for perfect attendance. He was also a member of the Amarillo Country Club and the Amarillo Club. 

Faith was an important part of Dr. East’s life. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Amarillo from 1969 until 2026, where he served as a Deacon and taught numerous Sunday school classes over the years, including the Barnabas Group, the College Department, and the Young Marrieds class. Outside of his work and service, William Robert East, M.D. enjoyed time with family, traveling throughout the United States and Europe with Suzanne, reading several books each week, and completing daily crossword puzzles — always in ink, because he had to be right. He also enjoyed watching Friends and spending time with those he loved. 

William Robert East, M.D. is survived by his wife, Suzanne of the home; his children, Rene DuBois and husband Jim DuBois of Richardson, William R. East Jr. (Rip) and wife Jill East of Richardson, Andrea East of Plano, Allison Vest and husband Tim Vest of Lubbock, Evaney Priolo and husband George Priolo of Amarillo, and Scottie Davis and wife Janyth Davis of Canyon; his grandchildren, Danielle Dimond and husband Andy Dimond of Richardson, Alyssa East of Richardson, Erica Vines and husband Jake Vines of Dallas, Hayden Vest and wife Hannah Vest of Lubbock, Olivia Kirk of Dallas, Hartley Davis of Canyon, Presley Davis of Canyon, and Boone Davis of Canyon; and great-granddaughters, Mullins Vines and Murphy Vines. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cora Virginia East and J East; his first wife, Catherine East; his granddaughter, Angela East; and his brother and best friend, Major James B. East, a decorated Air Force pilot who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969. 

Dr. East lived a life of faith, service, and dedication to his family, patients, community, and country. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched over more than nine decades.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate his incredible life will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2025 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Amarillo. Dr. Howard K. Batson will officiate. Military honors will be provided by The Volleys for Veterans.  The family invites you to join them for a reception in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. 

The family requests that memorial donations be made in Dr. East’s honor to the First Baptist Church The Bob East Camp Scholarship Fund, 1208 S. Tyler Street, Amarillo, Texas 79101.