Local woman: Jackson’s physician compassionate, caring

Like many locals, longtime Las Vegas resident Dradyne McLemore has watched the developments following the death of pop star Michael Jackson and his connection to Dr. Conrad Murray.

Murray’s office and home in Las Vegas were searched earlier this week by Los Angeles police and DEA agents, who are conducting an investigation into whether Jackson was the victim of an administered drug overdose.

McLemore wouldn’t know anything about that, but she does know and admire Dr. Murray, who can use all the allies he can get these days. McLemore’s husband, Deacon William L. McLemore Sr., was Murray’s heart patient for three years.

William suffered from a severe heart condition, and at one point needed an operation. Dradyne was impressed by Murray’s skill and professionalism. She called him “not only an excellent cardiologist, coming highly recommended, but a fine upstanding and compassionate man.

“He treated my husband for three years for an enlarged heart, who also had diabetes and high blood pressure, but Dr. Murray placed stents in his heart, and arteries in his legs thereby extending his life three more years. He died on Easter Sunday of 2008 at home in bed where he wanted to be just as we were preparing to go to our church and serve barbecue ribs, chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and punch. Our son prepared the best ribs in this town.”