Dr. Robert Lee (Doc) Rubright

Dr. Robert Lee (Doc) Rubright age 89 of Maryville, Team Physician Emeritus of the University of Tennessee men's athletic department died Thursday, July 7, 2016, at the family home. Born October 6, 1926 in Jacksonville, IL, Dr. Rubright grew up in Hammond, IN and attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1940. He graduated from Hammond High School in 1944. A World War II veteran having served in the Pacific Theater and was with the Third Fleet in Tokyo Bay at the time of the Japanese Surrender on 2 September 1945. He married the former Edwena P. Kondrat (Eddy) on August 26, 1950 in East Chicago, IN. He received his M.D. degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1955 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society. Following his internship at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Great Lakes, IL, he returned to his home town of Hammond where he engaged in the general practice for 14 years. He was a founding member of the Hammond Clinic, a large multispecialty clinic located in Munster, IN. In 1970, he and his family relocated to Knoxville, TN where he accepted an appointment as a staff physician at the U.T. Student Health Service. Shortly thereafter, he became associated with U.T. Athletics, a relationship he and Eddy cherished until his semi-retirement in 1993, though his involvement with U.T. Athletics continued the remainder of his life. Dr. Rubright was a life member and fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, an honorary member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and was named Sports Medicine Person of The Year by the Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association in 1993. He was awarded Chancellors Citation for outstanding service to the university in 1987. His most meaningful and treasured recognition was being named an Honorary Letterman of the University of Tennessee. There is a players locker in the Peyton Manning Locker Room complex at Neyland Stadium named in his honor by his longtime friend and co-worker, Mike Rollo, former Head Athletic Trainer. In 2008, the Dr. Bob and Eddy Team Physicians Clinic in the training room facility was dedicated in appreciation for their longtime loyalty, support and service to the student athlete. In 2012 the Dr. Bob Rubright Conference Room in the new Student Health Center was dedicated and was furnished in memory of Eddy Rubright- "A Great Lady and True Volunteer." Even in retirement (which he repeatedly failed), Dr. Rubright continued to find a way to continue medical practice. Well into his eighties he served part time at the Knoxville Military Entrance and Processing Center examining applicants wishing to enter military service. It was a most enjoyable experience, dealing with young men and women willing to make the commitment to defend the country he loved so much. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Josephine Rubright; a brother, Roy Kent Rubright; his son, David Lee Rubright; and by his beloved wife of almost 61 years, Edwena. He is survived by a daughter, Diana Jeanne Rubright of Maryville; a son, Donald Rubright and his wife Mitzi of Lincoln, Ca; as well as his grandchildren, Donovan Swick and wife Tara, Derek Rubright and wife Jennifer and their daughter Reagan, Jonas Rubright and wife Keri and children Graycie and Tuesday, Taylor Warren and her husband Josh; great grandchildren, Caitlin, Alaina, Chloe, Simeon, Lavender, Symphony and Jude Swick as well as brother, Richard Rubright of KY; many nieces and nephews; also surviving is his best friend and loving companion, Yvonne Helmer of Koontz Lake, IN. The family will receive friends 5:00-8:00 pm Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral, Maryville, TN. A Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at John XXIII Catholic Church, 1710 Melrose Place, Knoxville, TN 37916 with FR. Eric Andrews and FR Bob O'Donnell officiating. The interment will be 11:30am Thursday, July 14, 2016, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607, or HonorAir Knoxville, 7536 Taggart Lane, Knoxville, TN 37938-8996.