Frederick Burroughs, Raleigh's first black pediatrician, dies at age 89

Burroughs, who was known to many as "Dr. B," served more than 22,000 patients from 1969 until he retired in 2010, according to his daughter, Angela Burroughs.

According to Burroughs' online obituary, the New Jersey native moved his family to the Triangle in 1966 and opened a pediatric office in a southeast Raleigh neighborhood, where he treated many patients who had little or no medical insurance.

With five colleagues, Burroughs co-founded a medical practice, and he served as a provider for Wake Health Services Incorporated until 2003. More recently, Burroughs worked at Growing Child Pediatrics in Knightdale, until he retired in 2010.

“Dr. Burroughs loved to teach medicine. He taught young doctors to use their instincts in treating patients and not to depend on machines to give you the answers,” said WRAL's Dr. Allen Mask.

“My wife, Dr. Deirdre Batch Mask, graduated from Meharry Medical School as did Dr. Burroughs. I remember visiting Meharry reunions and admiring the camaraderie they shared though Dr. Burroughs had graduated many years before her. We always found him to be friendly, engaging and very pleasant. He was an asset to our Raleigh community, not only as an outstanding clinician but also as a wonderful human being.”

"The commitment to serve God was never overshadowed by his busy family and professional life," Burroughs' obituary read, adding that he was an active member at First Baptist Church in Raleigh, where he volunteered in music departments, official boards and other ministries.

According to his daughter, Burroughs was known as "Raleigh's first black pediatrician" and was recognized countless times in his life. Burroughs was inducted into the City of Raleigh Hall of Fame in 2007 and was admitted as a Fellow in the American College of Pediatricians in 2008.

Burroughs is survived by his wife of 62 years, Geraldine Sandra Harris, along with three children, three grandchildren and two sisters, among others.

People who want to give a gift in memory of the doctor are encouraged to donate to Hampton University, the Nashville Meharry Medical College or the First Baptist Organ Fund.

Dozens of former patients are expected to attend Burroughs' funeral, which will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Springfield Baptist Church in Raleigh.