Robert Allan Heyer, M.D.

Rob was born on November 7, 1947 in Dallas, Texas to the late Dr. Howard E. Heyer and the late Mayvis Sheimo Heyer.

He graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas in 1965 and Sewanee: The University of the South in 1969, Phi Beta Kappa.

In 1973, Rob earned his medical degree from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Alpha Omega Alpha. Internship, Residency and a Pulmonary Fellowship were completed at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

In 1978, Rob and family moved to Charlotte NC where he joined the Charlotte Medical Clinic, specializing in Pulmonary Disease and Internal Medicine. He later joined the teaching staff at Carolinas Medical Center. Rob was known for his commitment to patients and exceptional clinical judgment, along with having a sincere interest in everyone he met. Many patients became lifelong friends.

He served as President of the NC Thoracic Society, as well as Chief of Pulmonology and Respiratory Therapy at Carolinas Medical Center. Additionally, Rob was honored to serve on the board of Charlotte Country Day School.

In 1994, the title of team internist for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers was added to Rob’s resume. He never missed a game, home or away, in 25 years. He served as President of the NFL Physicians Society and received the Jerry “Hawk” Rhea award as the NFL’s Outstanding Team Physician.

Throughout Rob’s life, he gathered friends wherever he went. His good humor, energetic enthusiasm and caring heart will be missed by all.

In 2020, Rob retired to Dallas, Texas to be closer to family.

As devoted as he was to his work, Rob was even more devoted to his family who he loved without measure and shared a full life. Rob is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Caroline (Jinx) Washburne Heyer, his children Ashley Elizabeth Heyer of Baton Rouge, LA and Dr.

Robert Hempstead Heyer and wife Anna Price Heyer of Tucson, AZ and his cherished grandchildren Caroline Washburne Casey, William Clarke Casey, Henry Allan Heyer, and Harrison Price Heyer.

Rob is survived by his elder brother John Howard Heyer of McKinney,Texas.

Especially loved by Rob are his Washburne relatives: brothers-in-law Richards Pomeroy Washburne, Elihu Benjamin Washburne, and Ray Willets Washburne, and their wives, all of Dallas, Texas, as well as his sisters-in-law Mary Washburne Kibler of Atlanta, GA and her husband Jeff Kibler, and the late Anne Washburne Hillier of Dallas, Texas.

Numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews were all sincerely loved by Rob and all shared special, memorable times with him.

Carol Dickinson, RN and Mary Jo Little, RN were essential in Rob’s success as a physician, and the family is forever grateful for all they contributed to his life and career.

The family is deeply appreciative of the outpouring of love, support and memories shared by those whose life Rob touched.

A private family service will be held in Dallas at a future date.

To celebrate Rob’s life and legacy, memorial contributions may be directed to The Robert A. Heyer, MD Pulmonary Medicine Fund for the advancement of educational efforts and programs to increase overall patient care at the Pulmonary and Critical Care Division at Atriumn Health, 7800 Providence Rd, Suite 208, Charlotte, NC 28226. https://atriumhealthfoundation.org/ahf-fund-descriptions/