Alexander Rhoton, M.D. retired general surgeon, died on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia King Rhoton.
Born in Chattanooga on June 5, 1938, he was the son of the late Wiley Homer and Alma Alexander Rhoton. He received his education from Vanderbilt University and the University of Chattanooga and his medical degree from the University of TN College of Medicine in Memphis in 1963. Having served his internship and four years of surgery residency at Erlanger Hospital, he entered the United States Air Force as a major and served two years as Chief Surgeon at Lajes Field Air Force Hospital from 1968-70. Upon returning home, he joined the medical practice of Dr. O.H. Clements and then Dr. E. E. Reisman, Jr. Dr. Rhoton retired from practicing medicine in January, 1990.
Dr. Rhoton joined Brainerd Methodist Church in 1949 and belonged to the McFerrin Sunday School Class. He held membership in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Medical Society, 32 degree Mason, Mountain City Lodge #549, and the John Sevier Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a life Member of American Trapshooting Association, American Skeet Shooting Association, National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, National Rifle Association, and the Republican National Party.
After his retirement, Dr. Rhoton enjoyed wintering in Florida and became more active in his favorite sport of trapshooting. He held the world record of shooting the most targets in one year. His friends in other states were many as he enjoyed traveling in his RV. An animal lover, he also took pride in his English setter, Duke.
He is survived by his two sons, Alex Rhoton II (Deana) of Chattanooga and King Rhoton (Gwen) of San Francisco, Ca.; and two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Erin Rhoton of Chattanooga.
Services will be held Wednesday, May 9, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with Reverend J.N. Howard officiating.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Following the service, interment will be in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with a Scottish Rite service.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 8, from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday an hour before the service. Active pallbearers will be Jim Cate, Bill Henshaw, Phil Lawrence, Tom Moore, Dr. Smith Murray, Wayne Rhoton, Jerry Wormsley and Tommy Meeks.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.