Dr. William Kendall Striker

Dr. William Kendall (Ken) Striker passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019.

Dr. Striker was a respected member of the medical community and was a leader for the Chattanooga medical community in particular.

Ken was born in Eugene, OR on January 10, 1935. At an early age e moved to Pomona, CA where he graduated from the University of California, Riverside.  After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force as an officer and retired from service with the rank of Captain.

After his service in the Air Force, Dr. Striker pursued his graduate studies at Wake Forest University and was awarded his M.D. from the Bowman Gray College of Medicine.  Afterwards, Dr. Striker moved to Chattanooga to assume duties at the new Parkridge Hospital as their first director of Pathology.  Dr. Striker retired from Parkridge after more than 20 years of service.  He was also a member of the medical business community with his private practice pathology laboratory and was a founding member of Chattanooga’s first blood bank, Blood Assurance, serving as it’s Medical Director.

Dr. Striker is survived by his life-partner, David Burkhalter,  niece, Ginette Glover-Harris (Terri), and many great nieces and nephews.

Dr. Striker will be interred at the Chattanooga National Cemetery in a private ceremony.

Our deepest appreciation to Hospice of Chattanooga, and in particular, Ken’s nurse Morgan Rice for the kindness and compassion given to Ken and family.  The family is also grateful to the caregivers, Clara Smith, Ruth English and Marieleona Gelacio for their contributions in making Ken’s life more comfortable during the last few years.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you please donate to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN  37416.

You may visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences to the family and view the memorial tribute.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.