Dr. A. Hamblin Letton, 93: Past president of American Cancer Society
In 1971, President Richard Nixon announced national legislation to fund a war on cancer.
After signing the National Cancer Act, Nixon turned to shake the hand of Dr. Alva Letton. At the time, he was president of the American Cancer Society, an organization that he, ultimately, served for 50 years as a volunteer.
"He represented us here and all over the world," said Dr. John R. Seffrin, CEO for the voluntary health organization. "He was the first volunteer to get to the 50-year mark. He was a big believer in education, and did a lot in working with other people to educate the public and policymakers."
Kathleen Horsch of Minneapolis served as chairman of the Atlanta-based American Cancer Society in 1988 and 1989. Dr. Letton, she said, understood that cancer control and community are synonymous.
"He was extraordinarily supportive and an advocate for data and research," she said, "but he understood it would have no impact if that knowledge is not translated into treatment, practiced and disseminated in a manner that allows us to make sound decisions."
On Jan. 13, Dr. A. Hamblin Letton of Atlanta died of natural causes at his home. He was 93. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Lenbrook Square in Atlanta. H.M. Patterson & Son, Oglethorpe Hill chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
From 1937 to 1941, he studied medicine at Emory Medical School. He interned at Georgia Baptist Hospital, where he became a chief resident.
During World War II, he joined the Navy and served as a medical officer and with a surgical service unit. After the war, he returned to Atlanta and became an attending surgeon at Georgia Baptist Hospital. He served as its chief of staff from the late 1950s to early 1970s.
In 1948, he became active with the state division of the American Cancer Society. He chaired several national committees and served as national president in 1971. He represented the organization that year when Nixon signed the National Cancer Act.
Survivors include a daughter, Alice Letton Zachodzki of Charlotte; two sisters, Ollivia Beardsley of Fort White, Fla., and Rhoda Allen of Columbus, Ohio; a brother, William Reynolds Letton of Fairhaven, Mass; and one grandson.
