Former CoxHealth administrator Wortley dies

Last edited 2:40 p.m., March 29, 2011

Neil Wortley, former administrator for CoxHealth, died March 28 in his home. He was 89.

Wortley served as administrator of Cox Medical Centers 1952-1985, with the exception of eight years working for the Missouri Department of Health, according to a CoxHealth news release.

Robert Bezanson, president and CEO of CoxHealth, said Wortley was a major reason he took a job at Cox North when he started as an assistant administrator.

"I intereviewed at Cox North 30 years ago this month, and I met Neil at that time," Bezanson said. "When I flew back to Virgina, where I was from, I said to my wife, 'I really enjoyed meeting Mr. Wortley and all of the other exeuctives, and if I have the opportunity, I'd like to take the job.'

"I was really impressed."

Under Wortley's administration, the medical center grew from a 496-bed hospital to a regional health center that includes the 510-bed Cox South.

"Neil had the vision for Cox South," Bezanson said. "Everything that's happened down here in the Medical Mile is, in a sense, something he started."

Following his retirement in 1985, Wortley continued to serve as administrator emeritus and supported CoxHealth by focusing on fundraising efforts as a board member of the CoxHealth Foundation, something he continued to do until a few months ago, Bezanson said.

In 2009, Wortley received the Missourian award, presented by the American Heart Association to those who were born or have lived in Missouri and have made notable contributions to the state or nation in civics, business, education, politics or the arts.

"One of great attributes that Neil had was that he was very involved in the community," Bezanson said. "He encouraged all of his administrators not just to be involved but to give back."

Bezanson added that despite Wortley's accomplishments, he remained humble.

"He never took credit," Bezanson said. "He was quick to acknowledge the skills of others."

Visitation will be held 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. April 1 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole St. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. April 2 at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, 820 E. Cherry St., under direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, according to its Web site.
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