Dr. Robert Woodrow Myers, aged 102, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025 at Ashwood Square Retirement Community. He was born on August 21, 1923, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to the late Rollie and Esther Myers. Born prematurely and not expected to survive, Robert defied the odds and lived a remarkable 102 years.
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.
Robert is survived by his daughters Laura Jean Myers-Ross (Steve), Linda Kay Myers, Bonnie Jane Peterson, and Delinda Davis (Lonnie); his daughter-in-law Tracie Calfee Dalton; and his beloved grandchildren: Rebekah Kinsella (Dan), Christine van der Meer (Nic), Paul Peterson (Daniela), Charles Ross, Barron Williamson (Stephanie), DeLisa Morrow (Matthew), April Rodman (Jack), Ashley Yarborough (David), George Dalton, and Marie Herman (Josh). He was also very proud of his great-grandchildren: Jocelyn, Arjen, Easton, Jordan, Sharon, Landon, Brianna, Caiden, Libby, and Trip—and his great-great-granddaughter, Madyson.
Robert graduated from City High School in 1942, where he played both basketball and football. When World War II broke out, he joined the U.S. Navy and was selected for the V-12 program, which allowed him to complete medical school during his service. He graduated from Tulane Medical School in 1946.
Following military service at Camp Lejune and in Puerto Rico, Robert returned to Tulane to complete his training in Internal Medicine. In 1951, he moved to Chattanooga to begin private practice. Throughout his medical career, he served as president of the Chattanooga Medical Society and chief of medical staff at Memorial Hospital. He was also a founding member of Volunteers in Medicine in Chattanooga, an organization dedicated to providing free healthcare for the uninsured. His friend, the late Robert Demos, once said Dr. Myers cared for “half the people who currently live in Chattanooga.”
Robert loved the outdoors and shared that passion with many. He spent time at YMCA Camp Ocoee and famously climbed Mount LeConte on his 80th birthday. He was a devoted member of Christ United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School and Bible studies for many years.
A true adventurer, Robert traveled to every continent, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and hiking to the base camp of Mount Everest. He often shared his travel experiences through slide presentations for local groups in Chattanooga.
Later in life, after marrying Libby, Robert discovered a love for golf and was especially proud of scoring a hole-in-one at Council Fire at the age of 92. He also enjoyed playing cards with friends and family at Ashwood Square.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to all the caregivers who supported Robert in his final months, especially Tricia Tigner, Debra Harris, Rogeria Coimbra and Leslie Hawkins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) or YMCA Camp Ocoee, two organizations close to Robert’s heart.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. A celebration of Robert’s life will follow at 1:00 PM, with Rev. David Hall officiating. Interment will take place at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.
