B. B. Trotter, MD

Billy Bob “B.B.” Trotter M.D., 89, of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2017 in Abilene. He will be remembered for his caring and generous spirit, his considerable wisdom, and his love and devotion to his family and friends.

Born July 1, 1928 in Denton, Texas to Raleigh Brooks Trotter and Rosemary (Woods) Trotter. Always a storyteller, his first job was at age 16 as a radio announcer for KDNT in Denton. Bob attended Denton High School and was a star football player, which earned him a scholarship to attend Texas Christian University. After realizing he was the smallest tackle on the team, he quickly transferred to North Texas State College (The University of North Texas) in Denton. A position as laboratory assistant for Dr. J.K.G. Silvey changed his life forever and fueled his passion for medicine.

Bob graduated from North Texas in 1950 with a biology degree before attending medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. He was a member of Phi Chi Medical Fraternity and served as the first editor of the yearbook, “Syndrome.”

After completing medical school, he interned at Denver General Hospital. It was during this time he met and married the love of his life, Peggy Forsman, a flight attendant for Continental Airlines.

During college, Bob served in the United States Navy Reserve as a cryptanalyst. When he was later called to active duty, he served in the United States Air Force as a physician assigned to the Histopathology Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Bob studied as a pathology resident at UTMB, before completing his residency at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Bob and Peggy moved with their children to Abilene in 1960, where he joined with J.E. Williams M.D. at Hendrick Hospital. He invested 38 years at the hospital, and served for many years as chief pathologist as well as the hospital’s medical director. He helped form the first pathology association in Abilene, Clinical Pathology Associates, which has served many West Texas hospitals.

Bob was an aircraft pilot, skilled photographer and avid adventurer. He was a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers, Abilene Speakers Club, and The Philosophical Society of Texas. He served on the Abilene Independent School District Board for nearly 10 years, fulfilling the role of board president from 1988-1989, and is recognized as the second president of the Abilene Zoological Society. Bob was named University of North Texas outstanding alumnus in Biology in 2008.

Bob and Peggy were blessed to have a group of longtime friends that enjoyed traveling the world together, including dear friends Bill and Alice Wright. The couple were members of First Baptist Church in Abilene.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Peggy Forsman Trotter, and by his brother, Raleigh Furman Trotter M.D.

Bob is survived by his four children: Katherine Trotter of Abilene; Kristine Taylor and husband Steve of Tulsa; Karoleigh Armstrong and husband Rick of Abilene; and Robert Trotter of Dallas. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Trip Gollihar and wife Joy; Trotter Gollihar; John Taylor; Ellen Devereux and husband Tyler; and Val Armstrong; two great-grandchildren: Farren and Keeva Gollihar; and two nieces: Maureen Trotter M.D.; and Mary Trotter Kelly and husband John. A special thanks to Nancy Sandoval and Vivian Ramos, longtime friends and caretakers.

Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.  A private committal service will be held for Bob and Peggy at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene at a later date.

Memorial donations may be to the University of Texas Medical School at Galveston, the Abilene Zoological Society, or to the Grace Museum.