A celebration of the life of
Walter F. Wrenn, III, MD
will occur on
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Omega Service 10:00 AM
Memorial Service 11:00 AM
Vine Memorial Baptist Church
5600 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Dr. Walter F. Wrenn III, 84, Devoted Physician and Community Leader
Philadelphia, PA — Walter F. Wrenn III, MD, a beloved physician, mentor, and
advocate for health equity, passed away on July 10, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born in Helena, Arkansas, on August 9, 1940, Dr. Wrenn was the son of the late Walter
F. Wrenn Jr. and Mattie B. Wrenn. He graduated from Central High School in
Philadelphia and earned his undergraduate degree from Cheyney University in 1969, all
while supporting a growing family and working full-time at the U.S. Post Office.
He received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel
Medical College) in 1974, completed his residency at Mercy Catholic Medical Center,
and went on to establish a private medical practice in West Philadelphia—serving the
community where he was raised.
Dr. Wrenn was an active member of the National Medical Association, a trustee on its
board for 6 years. He held leadership roles including: 18th Second District
Representative, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1982-84), President, Medical Society of
Eastern Pennsylvania (1997–98), President, Jefferson Medical College Alumni
Association (2004), and President, Keystone State Medical Society (2010–2021).
A proud 60-year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mu Omega Chapter, he was
deeply committed to mentorship and community uplift. He was also a longtime member
of Vine Memorial Baptist Church, where he served in music ministry and Sunday School
leadership.
Known for his wit, wisdom, and warmth, “Doc” was a gifted storyteller and lifelong
learner. He earned a Black Belt in Taekwondo and remained intellectually curious
throughout his life.
Dr. Wrenn practiced medicine for over four decades, caring for multigenerational
families, focusing on opioid addiction treatment, and advocating for Black physicians'
rights.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Minister Glenda L. Wrenn, and children: Walter,
Karen, Jonathan (Joy), Katira (Frederick), Glenda (Akil), and Gregory; as well as
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends. He was
predeceased by two children, Kathy and Aziza.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Vine Memorial
Baptist Church, 5600 Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Omega Service begins at 10:00
a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:00 p.m. Services are entrusted to Wood Funeral
Home.
