Chattanooga, TN, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Dr. Robert Woodrow Myers, a celebrated physician and leader in the Chattanooga community, passed away at 102. His life was marked by a commitment to medical care and community outreach. A veteran of WWII who graduated from Tulane Medical School, he dedicated decades to serving patients and established Volunteers in Medicine to aid the uninsured. Myers was an adventurer, an active church member, and cherished family man, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service.
Chattanooga, TN – Dr. Robert Woodrow Myers, a revered physician and community leader, passed away peacefully at the age of 102 on September 12, 2025, at the Ashwood Square Retirement Community. His remarkable life, which spanned over a century, was marked by a deep commitment to service in the fields of medicine and community outreach.
Dr. Myers was born on August 21, 1923, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to Rollie and Esther Myers. Despite being born prematurely and not expected to survive, he went on to live a full and impactful life. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mattie Ruth Myers, his second wife, Elizabeth “Libby” Myers, and his son, Dr. Howell Dalton Jr. He is survived by four daughters, Laura Jean Myers-Ross (Steve), Linda Kay Myers, Bonnie Jane Peterson, and Delinda Davis (Lonnie), along with a daughter-in-law, Tracie Calfee Dalton, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dr. Myers graduated from City High School in 1942, where he excelled in both basketball and football. His commitment to serving his country led him to join the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he was selected for the V-12 program, allowing him to attend medical school during his service. After completing his military stint at Camp Lejeune and in Puerto Rico, he graduated from Tulane Medical School in 1946.
In 1951, Dr. Myers established his private practice in Chattanooga, where he served for decades. He held notable leadership positions, including serving as president of the Chattanooga Medical Society and chief of the medical staff at Memorial Hospital. He was also a founding member of Volunteers in Medicine in Chattanooga, an organization dedicated to providing free healthcare to the uninsured.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Myers was an avid outdoorsman, known for his adventures including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and reaching the base camp of Mount Everest. He famously celebrated his 80th birthday by climbing Mount LeConte. His love for the outdoors extended to YMCA Camp Ocoee, where he spent considerable time.
A devoted member of Christ United Methodist Church, Dr. Myers contributed to his community by teaching Sunday School and leading Bible studies. In his later years, he took up golf, famously scoring a hole-in-one at age 92. He enjoyed engaging with family and friends through card games during his time at Ashwood Square.
The family extends gratitude to the caregivers who supported Dr. Myers during his final months, recognizing their dedication and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Volunteers in Medicine or YMCA Camp Ocoee.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. A celebration of Dr. Myers’ life will follow at 1:00 PM, led by Rev. David Hall. Interment will take place at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Dr. Robert Woodrow Myers: A Life in Brief
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | August 21, 1923 |
| Death Date | September 12, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 102 |
| Military Service | U.S. Navy, World War II |
| Medical School Graduation | Tulane Medical School, 1946 |
| Practice Location | Chattanooga |
| Notable Achievements | President of Chattanooga Medical Society; founder of Volunteers in Medicine |
FAQ
What was Dr. Myers’ contribution to the medical community?
He served as president of the Chattanooga Medical Society and was a founding member of Volunteers in Medicine, providing free healthcare for the uninsured.
How did Dr. Myers celebrate his 80th birthday?
He climbed Mount LeConte to commemorate the milestone.
When is the memorial service for Dr. Myers?
The family will receive friends on September 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a celebration of his life starting at 1:00 PM.
What should people donate in his memory?
The family requests memorial gifts be made to Volunteers in Medicine or YMCA Camp Ocoee in lieu of flowers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Robert Myers Obituary
- NewsChannel 9: Dr. Bob Myers’ Story
- Chattanoogan: Linda Susan Fuqua Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Libby Myers Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Google Search: Robert Myers Chattanooga
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
