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Robert A. Matthew, M.D. passed away at his residence Monday evening, October 12, 2009. The services honoring his life and accomplishments will be held THURSDAY 11 AM at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Home with entombment to follow at Crown Hill Mausoleum. The Rev. Gilbert Harris and Dr. Bill Buntin will officiate.
Dr. Matthew was born in Anderson, Indiana, November 30, 1922, to Roy Ashbury Matthew and Nancy Kendall Matthew. After his mother died tragically, Bob was raised by his dad and stepmother, Bessie, until junior high school, when he moved in with his Aunt Ruth Matthew, Uncle Art Matthew, and Aunt Blanch Matthew. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1941, where he was President of the Student Council and Honor Graduate. He received a special merit scholarship to Indiana University, where he attended college for 2 years. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, the Alpha Chi Sigma National Chemical Honorary Society, and the swimming manager as a sophomore. He entered active duty in the Army in May of 1943 and underwent basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. He, then, attended The Citadel College in an Army Specialized Training Program. From there, he transferred to Vanderbilt University where he began the Pre-Med program. After completing this program, he attended The Medical College of Georgia, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree on June 6, 1949. While attending The Medical College of Georgia, he met the love of his life, Marie Duncan, to whom he got married on June 19, 1948. He completed his internship at U.S. Army – Oliver General Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, and went on to complete his Anesthesiology Residency and training at University Hospital in 1952. He was an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology for 2 years, when he was called to duty in the Korean War. Serving at the 24th Station Hospital as an Anesthesiologist, he was promoted to Captain and received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. On October 19, 1954, he was hired at Phoebe Putney Hospital as the first Board Certified Anesthesiologist. He also was one of the original physicians on staff at Palmyra Park Hospital, which is now Palmyra Medical Center. In September 1955, he welcomed his first child, Nancy. In 1956, he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology. In February, 1959, he welcomed his final child, Art. When he wasn’t sleeping patients, he was a very active farmer. He loved to hunt. He actively supported his Indiana Hoosier Basketball, and Georgia Bulldog Football. He was the founding partner of Albany Anesthesia Associates. He served two consecutive 5 year terms on the Medical College of Georgia Foundation Board of Directors from 1984-1994. He served the Medical College of Georgia Foundation as Chairman of the Nominating Committee and member of Executive Committee. He was the president of the Alumni Association at the Medical College of Georgia in 1982, and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Medical College of Georgia in 2002, in recognition of a life of distinction, eminence, and excellence. He was a member of the American Medical Association, Georgia Medical Association, Dougherty County Medical Society, and Covenant Presbyterian Church. He retired in December 1997, after 43 years of service to the Medical Community.
His survivors include: wife Marie Matthew, daughter Nancy Matthew Potter, son Art Matthew and his wife Donna, grandchildren Emily Potter Layer and her husband Matt, Matthew Potter, Jean Matthew, Robbie Matthew, and Anna Matthew, and great-grandchildren Cole Layer and Cody Layer, all of Albany, Georgia. A very special friend and caregiver, Vivian McClary. Very special, long time, caring friends Herb and Mary Hood.
The family will receive friends at Kimbrell-Stern on Wednesday from 7-9 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Salvation Army, 308 W. Second Ave., Albany, GA 31701, or The Alzheimer’s Association, 1512-1 Gillionville Rd., Albany, GA 31707.
You may sign the online guestbook and share your memories with the family of Robert A. Matthew, M.D. by visiting Kimbrell-Stern’s website at www.kimbrellstern.com.
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