Wilson Watkins Powers

Powers, Dr. Wilson Watkins, age 87, passed away February 15, 2012. He was born September 1, 1924 in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Edwin Booth Powers and Pauline Powers. A graduate of Old Knoxville High School and a graduate in pre-med at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Wilson was a Letterman for the Vols swim team and a member of Phi Chi Medical fraternity. He earned his medical degree at University of Tennessee, Memphis and interned at Gallenger Hospital in Washington, D.C. Wilson completed Naval Flight Surgeon Training at Pensacola, Florida School of Aviation and was sent to Okinawa Japan, where he ran a small Naval hospital. After Naval service, he taught pharmacology at Women's College of Pennsylvania. Wilson served his residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He married his loving wife of 60 years Rita, while in Rochester. They returned to Knoxville where he worked at the Acuff Clinic, and later formed a group of internists that served at all four area hospitals. Wilson moved to University of Tennessee Hospital when it opened. He formed an arthritis clinic and practiced internal medicine for 50 years. Wilson was an avid water fan, swimmer, skier and scuba diver. He was also a member of the Vol Navy for many years. Wilson was a passionate tennis player that utilized a wicked slice and top spin. Wilson shared all of his sports and travel time with his wife and children. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Edwine Powers Cox, and daughter-in-law, Pamela Powers. He is survived by devoted wife of sixty years, Rita Le'Cuyer Powers, sons and spouses, Wilson L. and Barbara, David and Patricia, Peter, Andrew and Dale, and daughter and spouse, Nancy and Barry Stutts. Seventeen grandchildren (including 3 granddaughters-in-law) and 3 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Interfaith Health Clinic, 315 Gill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Funeral Mass: 11:00 AM Monday, at Saint Albert The Great Catholic Church with Father Chris Michaelson officiating. Family and friends will meet by at Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 12:30 PM interment service. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosmortuary.com. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Sunday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Wilson Watkins Powers

September 1, 1924 - February 15, 2012