The leg surgery for Roy Exum on Friday afternoon was a success, his sister, Ellen, said she was told by the physician.
Mr. Exum, the long-time columnist in this spot for Chattanoogan.com, has suffered for a lengthy time with a badly infected leg following surgery on an arthritic knee.
He was told this week that the leg was so damaged that it would have to be amputated or risk spreading to other parts of his body.
Ellen on late Thursday afternoon said, "The doctor said the operation went as well as expected. He said there appeared to be no infection above the part of the leg that was taken off.
She said, "Roy was in good spirits this morning. He drove me down to the hospital. His minister, Joe Novenson, prayed with us before Roy was taken back."
Mr. Exum will be in the hospital for several days of recovery, then will spend time at the Siskin Hospital for rehabilitation.