Obituaries

LAKELAND - Dr. Peter Yingman Wai, DDS, October 25, 1947 - December 28, 2020, a longtime dentist in Shelby County, devoted family man, and burgeoning home chef, passed away unexpectedly on December 28th at age 73.

Peter was a true American success story. In 1967, he immigrated from Hong Kong to attend Memphis State College (now University of Memphis), later earning his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee Dental School - Memphis in 1972. A diligent and industrious man, he excelled academically while embracing a new language, culture, and customs. His dental practice was an institution in Millington for nearly 40 years—built upon the open heart and generosity that he infused into all his relationships. His big heart was matched only by his stomach. Peter had a voracious appetite for both food and for good people to break bread with. Those lucky to savor a meal with Peter knew his infectious excitement, how he was thrilled by new flavors, and keenly discerning of quality ingredients. Meals were governed by one rule: food should be served till there were ample leftovers. Because after all, if all the plates are empty, you can’t be sure everyone’s had their fill. Following retirement in 2012, Peter and his beloved wife Maria, traveled the world-- from Machu Picchu to Tanzania and everywhere in between. Eating their way across various cultures & cuisines and snapping volumes of photos, he still never lost sight of his hometown. Peter seldom missed a Memphis Tigers basketball or football game. He was an avid golfer, cherishing the sport and, most of all, his golf buddies. His easy-going nature made golfing with him a breeze and, he felt, served him well during monthly poker games with his “dog house” poker buddies.

To his family, “Uncle Pete” was a bedrock. His generosity, dependability, and exuberance for life sustained them across vast distances and hardship. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Maria, his devoted son Felix (fiancé Hillary), his brother John, his sisters Marina and Miranda, and numerous family members in Hong Kong, Canada, and the US.

An online visitation will be held Wednesday January 6th at 7:30pm, and due to COVID, a small funeral service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Thursday January 7th at 10am, for a limited number of family and friends.