Dr. Robert E. Ware, MD

Dr. Robert Edwin (Ed) Ware, MD, 80, departed this life peacefully at his home on February 9, 2021 surround by loving family members. Born February 14, 1940 in Fitzgerald, Georgia to the late Robert and Ruby Ware, Ed was a “standout” student throughout his academic journey, culminating with vast acclaim as a Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon. Ed was a 1958 Graduate of Quincy High School, and a 1966 Graduate of Emory Medical School, where he received high merits as a heart specialist. Upon completion at Emory, he entered the Air Force and was a Captain Flight Surgeon during the Vietnam War, and later founded The East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group in Knoxville where he practiced until retirement. Medical colleagues claim he saved and improved the lives of thousands of patients during his career, and inspired countless young doctors with his skills and dedication throughout his years in practice. Ed was a highly accredited surgical practitioner and recipient of multiple, prestigious fellowships and awards. He was also a skilled aviator (airplane & helicopter), an avid animal lover, and a kind and endlessly nurturing father and friend. He was preceded in death by wife, Peggy Shackleford Goodson Ware, and daughter – Sherri Ware Stephens. He is survived by children -Todd E. Ware (Atlanta Georgia), Stephen K. Goodson (Sydney), Aelise Goodson Reece (Stephen), Elizabeth B. Goodson, and Ross M. Goodson – all of Knoxville. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren, Caroline G. Stephens (Atlanta, GA), Jon Moffit Goodson, Bennett Reece, Warren Reece, and Goodson Reece; Son in law, Randy F. Stephens. The family will receive friends Friday, February 12, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel, Kingston Pike, Knoxville. Interment and Military Honors will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Highland Memorial Cemetery, officiated by Reverend Thom Rasnick, St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials be made to Young Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN 37919, or to St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 413 Church Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com.

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Dr. Robert E. Ware, MD

February 14, 1940 - February 9, 2021