Wilson Sidney "Sid" Comer, Jr., MD

A Life Well-Played: Wilson Sidney "Sid" Comer, Jr., MD

Wilson Sidney "Sid" Comer Jr, beloved husband, father, doctor, and "Bumpa" to his grandchildren, passed away peacefully at The Cardinal at North Hills on January 2nd, 2026. He died from Lewy Body Dementia, an aggressive and incurable disease. The family is forever grateful for the staff at Golden Harmony, the skilled nursing unit staff at The Cardinal, and the amazing Transitions Lifecare hospice team, who provided extra care and support for Sid during this challenging time.

Born in Oxford, NC in 1950 to Wilson and Liz Williams Comer, Sid was raised with a classic North Carolina foundation. He attended public schools in Oxford and developed lifelong friendships among his peers. At JF Webb High School he was a member of the National Honor Society, and a stand-out member of the golf team, golf being a game he loved and enjoyed throughout his life,

In fall 1968, Sid moved on to Hampden-Sydney College where he was Vice President of the student body and served on the honor board. Upon graduation, he entered the UNC-Chapel Hill medical school. His years at UNC brought more treasured friendships into his life, friendships that continued as he became part of the medical community in North Carolina.

In 1978, Sid married Sally Davis, a speech pathologist practicing in Chapel Hill who hailed from Alabama. The couple settled in Raleigh as Sid began his career in psychiatry. Sid became widely known for a therapeutic style combining professional brilliance with a genuinely caring soul-and likely a well-timed, dry wit.

Over the years, Sid established a thriving private medical practice in Raleigh. It included a dedicated team of mental health professionals, including Sally, who went on to receive her master's and PhD in social work. His staff was led by Connie Faulkner, his office manager and friend for over thirty-five years.

Outside of his practice, Sid was an active member of The American Psychiatric Association (APA), the North Carolina Psychiatric Association (NCPA), and the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas. He was a dedicated consultant for the Alcoholism Treatment Center of Wake County, as well as a mentor to UNC psychiatric medical residents, offering his time for free.

If Sid wasn't in the office helping people find their smile, he was probably trying to find his swing on the golf course. But his real love wasn't a 5-iron -- it was the guitar. Along with his life-long friend, Lenny Green, Sid was a founding member of The Kudzu Ramblers, a Bluegrass band that proved Sid was just as good at picking strings as he was at picking brains. He and his bandmates spent years specializing in high-speed, toe-tapping music, receiving numerous ribbons at the NC State Fair. Their music brought joy to many.

Anyone who knew Sid knew that he was a dedicated family man. He and Sally created a loving home for son, Lewis, and daughter, Susan. At the heart of the family was a love of music, and many happy hours were spent singing along to Sid and Lewis' guitar playing and singing duets with Sally and Susan. Sid became a second father to his sister's daughter, Sidney Keyes, after the 2003 death of her father, Bob Keyes. Throughout Sid's life he also loved being with his Williams and Comer cousins, many of whom visited him and his family over the years.

Sid was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sally Davis Comer and his parents along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws.

Sid is survived by his daughter, Susan Comer Fisher and husband, Eric; his son, Lewis Lankford and wife, Krista Stearns; his sister, Lily Comer Keyes; his niece, Sidney Keyes; and his beloved granddaughters, Bailey Lankford, Flannery Lankford, Elise Fisher and Cecilia Fisher. He is also survived by a host of cousins and their spouses and children who were dear to him, along with many true and trusted friends for whom he was most grateful.

A service for Sid Comer will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1 pm at the Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC.

Memorials may be offered to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com