Dr. Frank Taylor McPherson, retired surgeon, passed away July 3, 2010, at home. Dr. McPherson was born July 7, 1931, in Marks, MS. He graduated from Cleveland High School in 1949, where he was class president all four years, valedictorian, a member of the award-winning debate team, football letterman and an Eagle Scout.

In 1952, Dr. McPherson graduated from Mississippi State University with a B.S. degree in chemistry. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, ROTC, Scabbard & Blade and ODK Honor Society.

He graduated with honors from Tulane Medical School in 1956, and began his internship at Charity Hospital of Louisiana. He completed a five-year residency at Ochsner Clinic and Foundation Hospital of New Orleans in general surgery and colon/rectal surgery. During his last year, he served as chief resident and instructor of surgery at Tulane. He then served two years in the U.S. Air Force as chief of surgery at Nelles Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev.

In 1964, Dr. McPherson joined The Street Clinic in Vicksburg, where he practiced as a general surgeon until his retirement. During his career, he served as chief of staff of Mercy Hospital, president of West Mississippi Medical Society, a fellow in the American College of Surgeons, a diplomat of The American College of Surgeons, member of The Street Foundation, and president of the Vicksburg Chapter of the Mississippi State Alumni Association. Upon retirement he, along with the Rev. Bill Watkins, organized a charity medical clinic at Good Shepherd Community Center.

A member of Crawford Street United Methodist church, Dr. McPherson served on the administrative board, finance committee and a mission team to Jamaica. Along with being an avid supporter of Mississippi State, he enjoyed hunting and golfing with friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Joyce and Nadine Tatum McPherson of Cleveland; and a brother, John William McPherson of Indianola.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Joyce Harris McPherson of Vicksburg; son, Dr. Scott (Sandee) McPherson of Jackson; son, Jeff (Tracie) McPherson of Madison; and daughter, Susan (Chris) Barnett of Vicksburg. He also is survived by seven grandchildren: Allison, Hunter, Cole,and Madeline McPherson of Jackson; Mary Margaret and Anne Tatum McPherson of Madison; Jason Bishop of Vicksburg; and a sister-in-law Georgia Ann McPherson of Indianola, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, at Crawford Street United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Green Acres Cemetery. Visitations will be from 5 until 7 Monday at Riles Funeral Home and one hour preceding the service at the church.

Pallbearers will be Chris Barnett, Jason Bishop, Nelson Gibson, Col. Bradly MacNealy, Bill McPherson, Cole McPherson and Hunter McPherson

Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Allen, Bill Bexley, Bob Morrison Jr., Don Neumann, Joe Graham, Ray McLaurin, Guy Tucker, Joe Gerache, Dr. Briggs Hopson, Stan Kline, Tom Mitchell, Dr. Richmond Sharbrough, Leo Ingram, Ray Wade, Emmett Atwood, John Byram, Wes Lominick, Herb Jones, Dr. Gene Ferris, Dr. Paul Pierce III, Dr. Murray Whitaker and Dr. Tom Sligh

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crawford Street United Methodist Church, 900 Crawford St., Vicksburg, MS 39180, or Good Shepherd Community Center, 629 Cherry St., Vicksburg, MS 39183.