Dr. Robert Edwards Northrop, age 93, of Kingsport, Tennessee passed peacefully on April 20, 2024 at Holston Valley Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 2, 1931 to Dennis and Alice Northrop. He graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1948, and then from the United States Naval Academy in 1953. After serving his country he left the Navy and returned to Tennessee to pursue his dream of being a physician, graduating from the University of Tennessee Memphis in 1962. He completed his residency in Knoxville at UT and Children’s hospitals and established his solo pediatric practice in Kingsport, February of 1966. The practice grew and evolved into Kingsport Pediatric Associates, where he retired in 1996. He served as HVCH Chief of Medical Staff in 1982. After retirement, he remained active in medicine for several years with Friends in Need and numerous medical mission trips around the world. He loved children and loved to make them laugh. He had a knack for putting them at ease in the often-scary environment of visiting the doctor.
Bob was a lifelong member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church from childhood to death. Every Sunday morning, he and his wife, Jo sat in the first row and were missed by fellow parishioners when they were absent.
His family was a source of great pride in his life. On February 20, 1954, he married the love of his life, Jo Doris Clayton of Johnson City, Tennessee and together they raised 4 children. In addition to family, Bob loved the outside, raising a garden, riding his tractor and woodworking. He would cut lumber from trees on his property and fashion it into tables, stools, boxes, and toys which he showered on his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Edith Hildebrand.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jo Northrop; three daughters, Elizabeth Ann Mingus (Steve) of Fort Worth, TX, Kristin Jo Vaughn (Terry) and Susan Devon Carty (Charles), both of Kingsport; son, Dr. Robert Clayton Northrop (Tammy) of Greeneville; ten grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express gratitude to the doctors and staff at HVCH for the care Bob received over the last few weeks.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 6pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at First Broad Street United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Holston Home for Children or First Broad Street United Methodist Church.