Robert S. Moore Sr., MD

Robert Saylor Moore, Sr., MD, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and physician, died July 13, 2021 surrounded by his children. He lived his entire life in the 37919 zip code with only three exceptions. First, he attended summer school in Cookeville, Tennessee at Tennessee Tech. There he met a wisp of a woman with a movie star smile named Doris Jean Fraser. They married a year later while he was in medical school in Memphis. He also lived in Atlanta, Georgia while working toward certification by the American Board of Radiology. The Moore family settled in Knoxville, and Dr. Moore devoted decades of care to patients in his work with Fort Sanders Radiology and Vista Radiology. As an individual with deep attachments to personal and regional history, practicing at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital was especially satisfying to him. His children mourn the loss of a father who was never too tired or busy to welcome each with a smile, and who knew and loved them so deeply that he made each feel like his favorite.

Robert was born at what was then Fort Sanders Hospital to Elizabeth Saylor Moore and John David Moore, Sr., MD, and attended Sequoyah Elementary, Tyson Junior High and West High schools. He formed lifelong friendships at school and with fellow Boy Scouts. He graduated from the University of Tennessee where he was active in Phi Gamma Delta, and then from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine.

Robert loved to travel, especially on any form of water and in all kinds of crafts. He did so throughout his life, first in the company of his parents, siblings, and school friends. Later, he did so with his wife, children, and other couples. He had adventures on every continent, including Antarctica, and he was always ready to try (not always like!) foods that were new to him.

In addition to travel, Robert loved to care for things and for people. He delighted in fixing broken or worn-out parts and adhering to regular maintenance schedules. If he could do so while sending a loved one off on a trip (or better) welcoming them home, he was even happier. And, while he did, he would invariably share some tidbit of information gleaned from a life fueled by curiosity. His powers of recall were prodigious, whether for the faces of those he met or for the wide-ranging knowledge he gathered.

Robert demonstrated his deep capacity for constancy, steadfastness, and faithfulness most clearly in his gentle, meticulous, and literally round-the-clock care for his beloved wife of 62 years, Doris Jean, who was beset by dementia several years ago.

In addition to Doris Jean, Robert is survived by his sister Dorothy Hyder, children, Shari Dorman (Marshall), Robert Moore, Jr. (Ann Sartwell), and Laura McBrayer (Brett); grandchildren Hali Moreno (Ben), Clayton, Maloy and Sofi Dorman, Dora Siebold (Logan), Rebekah, James, John and Luke McBrayer; and great grandchildren Evie Moreno and Saylor Siebold. He was preceded in death by beloved grandchildren Elizabeth McBrayer and Matthew Moore, sister Marion McCroskey, brother John D. Moore, Jr., and his parents.

A funeral service will be held on July 21 at Central United Methodist Church, 201 E. Third Avenue, the community where Robert began and ended his earthly journey as a disciple of Christ. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Elsabet Initiative at https://www.hawassahope.org/elsabet-initiative/ or to Central United Methodist Church. The family will receive visitors between 5:30 and 7:00, followed by the service. Graveside service will be at Highland Memorial Cemetery, 5315 Kingston Pike, at 11:00 on July 22.