George Andrew Zirkle

ZIRKLE, GEORGE ANDREW, JR, M.D., age 92, of Knoxville, TN, a retired Pediatrician, passed away peacefully at his home, Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Dr. Zirkle was born on September 24, 1919, in Charlottesville, VA, to Dr. & Mrs. George A. Zirkle, Sr. He graduated in the Corps of Cadets from VA Tech in 1942 & The Medical College of VA in 1945. Dr. Zirkle served in WWII in the Philippines as a Captain in the US Army Medical Corps from 1946-48. He completed his Pediatric Internship at Erlanger Hospital, Residency at Duke University Hospital in 1950, & moved to Knoxville where he practiced with Drs. Cross, Christian, Long & Hodge at Pediatric Clinic, PC. He worked with Dr. Christian in establishing the intensive care nursery at UT Hospital caring for high risk newborns in East TN. In 1988, Dr. Zirkle joined Dr. Mary Duffy serving the community in Pediatrics at the Knox County Health Dept. until his retirement in 1998. An active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Zirkle's spirit of optimism led educational efforts regarding seat belt legislation for children. At the 1982 World's Fair, his campaign reminded attendees to "Buckle Up". Tennessee was then recognized as the first state to require mandatory child restraints. Dr. Zirkle was named Pediatrician of the Year by the TN Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (1967). He was elected President of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine & President of the TN State Pediatric Society (1968). He was the 92nd President of TN Medical Association (1973) & was named Outstanding Physician of the Year (1984). He served as Chief of Staff of East TN Baptist Hospital, & Pediatric Consultant to the American Academy Head Start Program. Dr. Zirkle was a longtime member of The American Board of Pediatrics, Southern Perinatal Society, Knox Area Pediatric Society, American College of Allergists, and Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at UT Memorial Hospital. He was a member of the TMA Bd of Trustees, Governor's Advisory Council for Epilepsy Foundation, & TN Public Health Council. He served as medical advisor of Planned Parenthood, Past President of the Knoxville Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow & a Director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Zirkle's sweet smile and unique, contagious laugh echoed his boundless energy. His passion for life was in serving others, a lesson he taught everyone he encountered. He was a kind and caring spirit with enduring compassion toward children and steadfast love of family, friends & faith. A dedicated father & husband, he always put his family's needs ahead of his own. He treasured the Ft. Loudon Lake retreat he shared with family and friends, who fondly named it "USA George" in his honor. He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Louise Hall Zirkle; son Andy Zirkle & wife, Nancy, daughter Joyce Zirkle Tapscott & husband, Jack; 4 grandchildren who lovingly called him "Daddy Doc": Dr. Ashley Tapscott, Philadelphia, PA, Cary Tapscott, Columbia, SC, Patrick & Lindsay Panella, Knoxville, TN; dearest relatives Harvey & Nell Wilbourne, Roanoke, VA; nieces & nephews: Gardiner, Cummings, Chapman & Anderson families. Preceded in death by daughter Marilyn Zirkle Mize, sister Mary Alice Anderson, & nephew Gary Anderson. Our deepest thanks to loving & compassionate caregivers Shawn McElveen, Shirley Ellison & Jessica Key. Dr. Zirkle was a lifelong member of Church Street United Methodist Church serving as Chairman of the Board of Stewards, Finance & Nominating Committee. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 24 in the nave of Church Street United Methodist Church with Reverend Andy Ferguson & Reverend Cabel W. Trent officiating. Members of The Murphy Builders Sunday School Class will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Private interment. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Church Street United Methodist Church P.O. Box 1303, Knoxville, TN 37901. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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George Andrew Zirkle

September 24, 1919 - March 20, 2012