Dr. Robert Lee Rock

Robert was born on a farm in Beaver, Oklahoma, on July 29, 1933 to Elven and Lucy (Fray) Rock. He was the youngest of six children: Eileen, Thomas, Danny, Doyle Glenn, and Emma Jean. Beaver was the epicenter of the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression, and through the struggles of his early years, Robert learned the value of hard work. He roughnecked on an oil rig in the Oklahoma panhandle to earn money for college.

He entered Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) on an agricultural scholarship, but changed his major to pre-med after discovering his passion for medicine. While at Oklahoma University Medical School, he met Verree Newton, whom he married on August 17, 1956 prior to his junior year. After his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston (UTMB), Dr. Rock completed a fellowship in New York City with Dr. Ramon Castroviejo, the world-renowned pioneer in corneal transplants. Dr. Rock viewed medicine as an opportunity to serve. Subsequently, he worked in Africa with Dr. Albert Schweitzer, whose reverence for life had a profound influence on him.

In 1963, Dr. Rock joined Dr. Hardy Thompson’s ophthalmology practice in Austin and thoroughly enjoyed his work and his patients. He performed the first corneal transplant surgery in central Texas and was a leader in cataract surgery.

His commitment to service never wavered. Dr. Rock served on faculty at UTMB for more than 40 years, making monthly trips to Galveston to train generations of eye surgeons. Additionally, Dr. Rock participated in numerous medical mission projects to Nicaragua, Honduras, Ecuador, Haiti, Dominican Republic, South Korea, Pakistan, Turkey, and Nigeria. He served in leper colonies in South Korea and Africa. Dr. Rock was often accompanied by Verree and their five daughters, turning the trips into working vacations.

In 1971, Dr. Rock and his wife bought a ranch in Liberty Hill, where he shared his love of the land with his family. A skilled horseman, he enjoyed teaching his daughters to ride. After he and Verree became grandparents, they hosted summer “Cousin Camp” for their grandchildren.

The family has been pillars of Hyde Park Baptist Church since 1963. Dr. Rock and Verree taught Sunday School in the college department for many years, hosting Bible study and serving dinner every Friday night to about 100 students.

His commitment to education was exemplified by his support for his children and grandchildren in their college pursuits. Following in his footsteps, many of his daughters and grandchildren work in healthcare professions.

Dr. Rock was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings; his daughter, Cathy Rock; and his grandsons Robert Case and Rob Pierce. He is survived by his wife, Verree; daughters Terri (Harry Papadopoulos), Sandy (Randy Pierce), Julie (Randy Mumm), and Jennifer (Arturo Solis); grandchildren Alexandra, Jordan, Melanie, Caitlin, Julia, Ellie (Fred); Tommy, Willy (Rachel); Hawna, Adam, Noah (Brittany); Hayley, Heidi (Ivan) and Carson; and seven cherished great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and those who became family through love: Ron Poage, Neal Rickman, Charles Rickman, and Tim Rock.

In keeping with Dr. Rock’s wishes, a graveside service will be held Saturday, August 31 at 10:00 a.m. at Liberty Hill Cemetery. Anyone wishing to do so may make a donation in Dr. Rock’s memory to the Texas Baptist Children’s Home.