Duong Ngoc Ly

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Visitation Schedule
Public
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
621 W. Chestnut
Marianna, AR  72360
Saturday, March 7, 2015
9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
Public
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
621 West Chestnut
Marianna, AR  72360
Sunday, March 8, 2015
8:00 A.M.
Cemetery
Marianna Memorial Park
Hwy.
Marianna, AR  72360
Memorial Contributions
The U of A Foundation Inc. University of Arkansas Medical Sciences College of Medicine
4301 W. Markham # 716
Office of Institutional Advancement
Little Rock, AR  72205


St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital
4301 W. Markham # 716
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN  38105
Duong Ngoc Ly

of Marianna, AR

October 17, 1934 - February 25, 2015

Duong Ngoc Ly, a widely-respected family practitioner and primary care physician who was one of the first Vietnamese doctors to settle in Marianna and who, for over 35 years, tirelessly dedicated his life to medicine and to serving the families of Lee, St. Francis, and Monroe Counties, died in the early morning of February 25, 2015 in Memphis, Tenn. He was 82.
The cause was from complications of a heart condition, his family said.
''His lifelong dream was to become a doctor,'' his wife of 60 years, Dao, said. ''Ever since he was 12 years old, he thought that the medical field was a noble profession. He wanted to save lives.''
Born on August 10, 1935 in a small village in Vietnam, Dr. Ly came of age in extreme poverty, and quickly realized the value of-and saving grace that can only be obtained by-a good education. Endowed with an enormous intellect supplemented by a love of hard work, unflagging ambition, and a photographic memory, he attended, with money from competitive scholarships, juvenile military boarding schools in Vietnam and was a star pupil devoted to his studies. He graduated from the College for Sciences in Saigon, Vietnam with a BS in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. He then obtained his Doctor of Medicine from the College of Medicine in Saigon, Vietnam. Due to academic excellence, all of his studies since high school were funded by scholarships and grants from the French government. While his native tongue was Vietnamese, Dr. Ly was also fluent in Cantonese, English, and French.
He married his wife, Dao, in 1955. They had five children.
From 1966 to 1975, Dr. Ly served as a medical doctor for the South Vietnamese Army Forces, and was the recipient of numerous awards and medals, all unfortunately lost during the war. So pronounced was his dedication and professionalism to medicine and the South Vietnamese Army that General Westmoreland decorated him with the American Bronze Star with the V Divide for battle. ''Any battle that needed a surgeon or a doctor, I was there, even during the Tet Offensive," Dr. Ly said in an interview in 2012. He was the personal physician, adviser, and the chief cabinet of a commanding general who led forces in the capitol.
With the collapse of Saigon imminent, on April 29, 1975 Dr. Ly fled from Vietnam during a stampede. He was evacuated out of the country with the help of US officials, landing on Wake Island after a brief stay in Guam. He was no longer considered a Vietnamese citizen but a refugee. Chaos spread all over Saigon during the next several days after Dr. Ly fled. He was unable to reach his family, disconnected from them due to the tumult that swept over the region.
Dr. Ly remained on Wake Island for three months, and afterward immigrated to the United States by himself. Because he loved rice, he asked the US official responsible for placing him in the US, ''Where in America is there the most rice? Which state has the most rice?'' Arkansas, being one of the biggest exporters of rice in the US, was naturally the first choice, and in mid-1975, Dr. Ly began his journey to the United States.
He lived in a refugee camp in Ft. Chaffee, Ark. for a time, and then soon after went back to medical school at UAMS to establish a stable and prosperous life for his family, hoping against hope his family was still alive amidst the chaos and terrors of the Vietnam War. ''I had to earn money to save my family from the war,'' he said in 2012.
Dr. Ly would not have any contact with his family for the next two years, being cut off from them due to the politics of war. Despite the isolation and sorrow of not knowing if his family had perished during the war, he still continued with his studies, fueled by determination, hope, and his commitment to both his family and the medical field. His dedication bore fruit: In 1977, two years after he was airlifted from Saigon, Dr. Ly completed his US medical requirements, obtaining his medical license.
Through a great stroke of luck, a family friend who lived in France was able to serve as the intermediary contact for Dr. Ly and his family in Vietnam, who themselves still did not know, even after 2 years, whether Dr. Ly was dead or alive. Letters were sent: Dr. Ly asked his friend in France to find, by mail, his family in Vietnam. Fortunately, this was a successful endeavor: contact was made and his family began to make preparations to flee Vietnam.
In 1979, his family was finally able to leave Vietnam via boat, hiding in the seams of a commercial fishing vessel. Economic adversities had met his family at every turn due to the tragedies of the Vietnam War; Dr. Ly was the sole financial provider for his family and, because they were separated by a collapsed country, his wife could not procure the entire sum required to transport the Ly family to freedom. Dr. Ly's good name alone circumvented the boat owners' demands for upfront payment.
''I asked everyone to help,'' he said in 2012. ''Offering people ransoms. Even the senator, but it seemed like no one could help bring my family to Arkansas. Finally, I asked the Catholics in Little Rock for help. I'm not even Catholic.''
Dr. Ly's family spent 11 days in near-famine in the internationally nebulous waters of the Pacific, rife with pirates and other dangers. The family miraculously landed on the shores of Hong Kong in mid-1979. They became refugees, but like, Dr. Ly, they were finally free.
Dr. Ly tearfully reunited with his family on March 10, 1980, after having flown them to the United States. It was a long, arduous, harrowing journey for both him and his family, spanning 5 years filled with the difficulties of a country torn by war, fear, sorrow, and poverty, but they had, finally, made it. Dr. Ly and his family finally had the opportunity to experience the glories of the American Dream. ''Maybe the Pope blesses Buddhists, too,'' he said with a laugh, during his interview.
Those who knew Dr. Ly will remember him for his passion and dedication to the medical field; his love for Vietnam; his patriotism for his second country-the United States; his gregarious, easy-going comportment; his ardent interest in both US and Vietnamese politics; his tenacity that helped him achieve success in both Vietnam and the US; and his infectious laugh that would punctuate his conversations with patients, family, and friends. He was a meticulous, brilliant, and compassionate physician; a loving and devoted husband and father to his wife and children; an affectionate and wonderful grandparent to his seven grandchildren; and a caring, thoughtful, generous brother, uncle, cousin, in-law, and friend to those who were lucky and privileged to know him. He will be remembered for his dulcet, lightly accented voice that would pleasantly call out, ''Hello, my friend!'' to his patients, his warmth and sincerity, and his inimitable way of making people feel, when he spoke to them, like they were the only person in the room who mattered.
In addition to his unfailing devotion to his family and his wonderfully genial demeanor, Dr. Ly was a widely respected physician who left an illustrative, highly regarded career behind him. Aside from his contributions to the medicine serving the South Vietnamese Army as a soldier and a doctor in Vietnam, Dr. Ly had a private practice in Marianna, Ark. from 1979-1997, and was an associate partner for the Marianna Family Medical Clinic from 1997-2009. He was the Medical Director, Staff Physician, and Acting Regional Medical Director for Correctional Medical Services in Brickeys, Ark. from 1997-2003, and Medical Director and Staff Physician for the Lee County Co-Operative Clinic in Marianna from 1991-1993 and 2004-2007. In addition, Dr. Ly was the Staff Physician for the Mid-Delta Health System in Clarendon, Ark. from 2004-2014. Dr. Ly also held a position as the Medical Director at Crestpark Nursing Home in Marianna. From 1985-1995, he was the physician for family planning at the Arkansas Health Department in Marianna.
Dr. Ly's hospital affiliations include Baptist Memorial Hospital in Forrest City, Ark (from 1986-2003) and Lee Memorial Hospital (from 1979-1986) as an Active Staff Physician. He was also the Chief of Medical Staff of Lee Memorial Hospital from 1982-1984.
He belonged to a number of medical associations, including the Lee County Medical Society, where he served as a secretary from 1993 until his death. He was also a member of the Arkansas Medical Society (1979 until his death), a member of the American Medical Association (from 1981-2000), and a member of the Southern Medical Association (from 1986-1997).
His numerous awards and accolades include ''Practitioner of the Year'' (1999); ''Best of the West'' (1998); ''Practitioner of the Quarter'' (1998); and ''Physician of the Month'' (1998) from the Correctional Medical Services where he served from 1997-2003.
In 1985 he was recognized for his ''Devotion to the Medical Profession and Dedication to Patients'' by Lee Memorial Hospital.
''Now, I like to think I'm American,'' he said during his interview in 2012. ''I like to serve my second country. Vietnam was my former country but America is my country now. I always believed that in any level of citizenship, you have to do something for the country from which you accept citizenship. You have to serve that country with dignity and to render back what you have received from the country. I have received a lot from America so I have to return it. My ultimate goal is to serve this country and its people. Vietnam was my former country but America is my country now.''
Dr. Ly is preceded in death by his father, Ly Phuc, his son, Thanh, his mother, Pham Thuong Thi, and his grand-daughter Nhien. He is survived by his wife, Dao, his four children, Dung of Little Rock, Hung of Forrest City, Cuong of Forrest City, Phuong Ly, MD of Jonesboro, and seven grandchildren.
Visitation hours will be at the Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Marianna, Ark. on Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at Marianna Memorial Cemetery the next day, Sunday, March 8, at 11:15 am. Arrangements can be entrusted to the Roller-Citizens Funeral Home.

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19 Condolence(s)
Ruth Baker
Beebe, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 11, 2020

I was privileged to work with Dr. Ly at Lee Memorial Hospital in 1988-89. He was, without a doubt, the finest physician I have ever worked with in my 33 year career as a nurse.

He cared enough to slog through impassable roads in mud boots to make house calls for his unimaginably poverty stricken patients.

I have never witnessed such selfless determination to help others.

I was saddened by his passing and remember him fondly to this day.

I am honored to have known him and to have worked with him.

May Peace be with you, dear Dr. Ly.

Jamie Peacock
White Hall, AR
Liked
Saturday, July 1, 2017

I was lucky enough to work with Dr. Ly. he had my greatest respect. He was kind, caring, smart and could make me laugh with his stories and view. I think the world of him. He took care of his patients and he was always ready to learn something new. I did not know he had passed until today. So sorry I was not able to pay my respects to the family, but so happy our footsteps passed if only for a brief time.

James DeRossitt, M.D.
Forrest City, AR
Liked
Thursday, April 16, 2015

I was shocked to learn a few minutes ago that Dr. Ly had died. I am so sorry. He was a wonderful, happy person who I always enjoyed being around. He was a Colonel in the South Vietnamese Army and I always saluted him as I was only a 2nd Lt in Vietnam. He was a fine physician who cared for his patients. I send my deepest sympathy to his family. He was a Vietnamese and American patriot and will be tremendously missed. I am proud to have known him.

Angela Wyrick
,
Liked
Saturday, March 7, 2015

i worked with Dr.Ly for almost 3 years at Mid-Delta and I am so thankful our paths crossed!! He was one of the most wisest men I know, he had so much compassion for his patients. I miss our talks he had so many stories to tell. Dr.Ly may you rest in peace and you may be gone but you will never be forgotten!! I will cherish all our precious memories!! Love you and miss you my dear friend

Ruth & David Grigsby
Wynne,
Liked
Saturday, March 7, 2015

A Great Man has gone before us. Dr. Ly saved a lot of lives and he did something wonderful for our family.
Our Love, Thoughts and Prayers go to the Family and Loved Ones of Dr. Ly. We share our love to Our Buddhist Brothers & Sisters.
May Perpetual Light shine upon Dr. Ly and Grant Him Enternal Life.
Comfort, Peace and Love be with the family.

Regina Wilson
Moro, AR
Liked
Saturday, March 7, 2015

Dr. Ly will be missed tremendously. He was a great asset to our community & was a very caring person to all his patients & friends. Enjoyed all the times working along side him @ the hospital.

Kristy Wheeler
Moro, AR
Liked
Friday, March 6, 2015

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

mike and patsy spath
Marianna, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 5, 2015

Dr.Ly will really be missed. I remember 20 plus years ago he sat at my house all night after a spider bitten child. That is what kind of a doctor he was. God bless him and his family.

Rita Bryant
Marianna,
Liked
Thursday, March 5, 2015

My condolences to your family for the passing of a great man, Dr Ly. Loved seeing that smiling face every morning! The staff and patients at Lee County Cooperative Clinic will greatly miss Dr. Ly. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you 🙏

Jess Ivy
Marianna, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 5, 2015

I'm sorry for your loss.

Angie Cote
clarendon,
Liked
Wednesday, March 4, 2015

I have worked with Dr. Ly for almost 10 years at middelta. It was always a great joy to come in when he was working. .He would tell us so many stories. He loved all his patients. I will miss him dearly.

Evelyn Rose Bearden
Nesbit, MS
Liked
Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Dr. LY was my mother's doctor the last few years of her life. He gave her outstanding care and referred to her as "my Lady". She had a number of health issues and a very small income. He made sure that she had all the medicines she needed, and took her insurance as payment in full. I am sure that she was not the only patient that he did that for. He was such an interesting person who took the time to talk to his patients and their families. What a blessing he was to Lee County! I am so thankful that I got to meet this interesting and wonderful man. He was truly a great doctor. I will never forget him, his stories or his kindness.

Wanda Russell
Marianna,
Liked
Monday, March 2, 2015

From our first visit, Dr Ny felt like a caring friend....we have missed him.

Shirley Houston
Marianna, AR
Liked
Monday, March 2, 2015

Dr. Ly was a wonderful great man. He used to sit with me and my family at what was at that time "Barker's Cafe". He ate there every night. I well remember the night in March when his family was to arrive in Memphis. He sat at the table with us that night and was so excited because he was later going to the Memphis airport to pick them up.

Dr. Ly will be greatly missed in Lee County.

Hung Trần
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 1, 2015

Thành kính phân ưu cùng gia đình Hùng và Khình . Cầu nguyện bác được bình yên cõi thiên đàng

hai giap
Pittsburgh, PA
Liked
Saturday, February 28, 2015

RIP, anh Dưỡng.
My grandfather always remembered you and your wife in his nightly prayers. Thank you for helping me in 1972
in Pleiku.
Giap Phuc Hai, MD

Pat Audirsch
Marianna, AR
Liked
Friday, February 27, 2015

Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I have always admired Dr. Ly's zest for living. He loved his family, his profession and his life in America. May he rest in peace.

Maribeth Snow
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Friday, February 27, 2015

Dr Phuong Ly and family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family for comfort during this time.

Andrea Howard
Marianna, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 25, 2015

My heart is heavy to learn of the passing of your loved one. I will treasure our time spent talking each morning and his infinite wisdom and jovial conversation. My condolences to the family. I will miss him greatly.