Frank Benton Gray, M.D., retired orthopedic surgeon of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away after being diagnosed with appendiceal cancer earlier this year.
Dr. Gray was born in 1942 in Durham, North Carolina. Since childhood, Dr. Gray had a passion for playing classical music on the piano. He attended Duke University and majored in piano with a pre-med focus.
In 1969, Dr. Gray graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. While attending medical school he co-founded the Student Health Action Coalition. A first in the country, the student-run clinic recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. During his senior year, he married pediatric nurse Anna Alligood. The couple shared 52 years together.
Dr. Gray attended surgical training at Duke University Medical Center. He joined the U.S. Navy before returning to Duke for his residency in orthopedic surgery. In 1977, he moved with his family to Knoxville and joined the Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic. He specialized in total hip and total knee replacement.
In 1983, Dr. Gray co-founded the Society for Arthritic Joint Surgery. During his career, he was active in several medical and orthopedic societies. His interests included orthopedic product development and he obtained several patents. Listed among the Best Doctors in America, Dr. Gray retired in 2000. He continued to serve patients as an InterFaith Health Clinic volunteer physician until 2017.
Dr. Gray pursued his passion for music throughout his life. For more than 40 years, he served as a board member of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. During retirement he played on his Steinway model D concert grand piano for at least an hour each day. He was an engaged member of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, an active golfer, and, in his earlier days, a recreational pilot.
Dr. Gray is preceded in death by his parents and a brother. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, grandsons, two sisters, and brother.
A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Cathedral at a future time.
