Stretch of highway named for three-star general

The South Carolina Department of Transportation recently named a five-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 52 near Moncks Corner after retired Army Lt. Gen. Henry Doctor Jr.,

Doctor died in December at age 74 of kidney failure. Family members and friends recently celebrated his life and the dedication of the Lt. Gen. Henry Doctor Jr. Memorial Highway at Berkeley Middle School.

Doctor's daughter, Lori Williams of Centreville, Va., who was on hand to bring remarks at the program said, "the recognition was a great testimony to his life and legacy that he left for us."

Doctor was a native of the Oakley community near Moncks Corner. He was a 1954 graduate of South Carolina State College. The three-star general was the highest-ranking S.C. State military alumnus, according to the school officials.

After graduating, Doctor later would finish the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He held a master's degree in counseling and psychological services from Georgia State University.

He retired as Inspector General of the U.S. Army at The Pentagon, Washington, D.C. After retirement, Doctor remained engaged as a mentor of soldiers and a supporter of the Department of Defense.

Doctor received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from S.C. State University and an honorary Doctor of Military Science degree from The Citadel. He was also a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Doctor spent the better part of his career in Washington and lived in Centreville, Va., but came home frequently to help develop the plans for Military Magnet Academy in North Charleston, where he was a member of the Military Advisory Panel.

In an earlier interview, Elijah McCants of St. Stephen, his cousin by marriage, said Doctor was an intelligent man who believed in strong work ethics. McCants said Doctor had a heart for people.

"When you spoke to him, he listened intently with a special smile," he said.

Reach Jasiri Whipper at 745-5863 or jwhipper@postandcourier.com.