Celebrating the life of Donald V. Conerly, MD

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of a dedicated and compassionate physician who served the Petal community for many years, Donald V. Conerly, MD.

Conerly joined Hattiesburg Clinic in 1978, and was one of the four physicians present when Petal Family Practice Clinic first opened its doors. His commitment to providing exceptional care to families in our community was unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by his patients, colleagues and friends.

“Dr. Conerly was the epitome of a primary care physician in the Petal community, dedicating his life and career to taking care of the patients there,” Bryan N. Batson, MD, chief executive officer of Hattiesburg Clinic said, “In his nearly 50 years with Hattiesburg Clinic, he cared for thousands of children and adults and focused on providing them with outstanding services. We are so thankful for his commitment, and he will be greatly missed.”

Conerly began his journey in medicine at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, continuing his training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His commitment to excellence led him to earn certification from the American Board of Family Medicine. But more than his credentials, Conerly was known for his kindness, expertise and unwavering dedication to his patients.

Conerly was a remarkable physician, a mentor and a pillar of the community whose impact will be felt for generations to come. His devotion to his patients was unparalleled, and his kindness left an impression on all who knew him. As Shannon L. Goldsmith, DO, put it, “Dr. Conerly was a wonderful physician and an even better man. He devoted his life to caring for his patients and they loved him for it. His smile and words of encouragement will be greatly missed. All of us who worked with him over the years were blessed with having had the opportunity to know him.”

Conerly’s work ethic and commitment to his patients helped shape health care in the Petal community. Judd M. Reynolds, DO, emphasized his profound influence, saying, “Dr. Conerly was a legendary figure in this area. His tremendous work ethic and steadfast care for his patients was inspiring. His dedication laid the groundwork for Petal Family Practice Clinic to thrive for generations to come. His patients and partners will miss him deeply.” His contributions to the field and the people he served created a foundation that will continue to support health care in the community for years to come.

Beyond his role as a doctor, Conerly was a guiding force in many lives. Barbara “Kati” Karcher, MD, shared a reflection on the way he influenced both her personal and professional journey: “Dr. Conerly was a pillar in the community and meant so much to all of us. He’s been my physician since I was a little girl. As I pursued my career in medicine, it was he that completed my physical required for the program. It is amazing how things come full circle. He was a cornerstone for Petal Family Practice Clinic and paved the way for expanded access to health care within the Petal community. As a member of the community and a recipient of his care and compassion, I was honored that he chose to be here. I will miss him.”

Among his peers and friends, Dr. Conerly was known for his kindness, generosity and unwavering consistency. As Aaron Adams, manager of Petal Family Practice Clinic recalled, “Dr. Conerly has been an incredible mentor and friend. There’s been an overflow of compliments from patients, colleagues and previous employees who knew and loved him. Their testimonies speak to his compassion and deep care for the people around him. His kindness and generosity knew no bounds. He worked every day with a smile on his face and a tenacity for life. It was my privilege to know him inside and outside of the office. He was the very same. So faithful and consistent. I can’t wait to see him again just to hear him ask like an old friend would, ‘What’s happenin’? His absence will be deeply felt.”

Conerly’s legacy is one of compassion, dedication and love for his community. He touched countless lives, leaving behind a lasting imprint that will never fade. Those who knew him were truly fortunate, and while he may no longer be physically present, his spirit will live on in the memories and the lives he impacted.

Though he is no longer with us, Conerly’s impact will be felt for generations to come. Let us honor his memory by continuing the work he loved—caring for others with compassion and dedication.

###

About Hattiesburg Clinic Petal Family Practice Clinic:

Hattiesburg Clinic Petal Family Practice Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and care to meet the total health needs of each family member. Our physicians offer prompt, complete assessment of the patient in their home communities and are able to obtain and coordinate consultation with other specialists when necessary. Family physicians receive training in six broad areas of medicine: pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, surgery and community medicine. Their diverse training allows them to offer continuing, comprehensive care from the newborn to the grandparent. 

About Hattiesburg Clinic:

Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic.  More than 60 years after its beginning, the clinic has grown to over 450 physicians and providers, caring for patients in more than 17 counties in South Mississippi. Along with over 2,500 professional staff employees, these physicians and providers come together for a common purpose, to serve the over 500,000 community members who live and work in South Mississippi every day.