Robert C. Coddington, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon who spent his life in service to others, passed away on May 31, 2021. He was 89 years old.
Dr. Coddington served the Chattanooga-Hixon, Tennessee, communities from 1967 to 2009 when he retired. He first had a private practice with Chattanooga Orthopaedic Group and then went solo in 1974 specializing in pediatric and adolescent orthopedic surgery.
He was chair of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga from 1974 to 1996. He also served there as associate dean and professor from 1974 to 1983. Dr. Coddington was instrumental in bringing the medical school to Chattanooga.
His years of service include 15 years spent as a board examiner for the American Orthopedic Society and his fellowships with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.
He was a former president of the Tennessee Orthopaedic Society and a founding member of the Southeast Tennessee Area Health Education Center.
Dr. Coddington was known for his dedication to developing and supporting orthopedic residents as well as physician assistants.
He was very involved in the community. He held the Crippled Children’s Clinic at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital for 25 years and donated his expertise to children in need through the state’s Crippled Children’s Clinic. He held the position of team physician for various Kirkman and Hixon high schools as well.
Born on August 30, 1931, he spent his early years in LaPorte, Indiana. He received his medical degree from the Indiana University Medical Center, where he went on to complete his orthopedic residency training program.
Dr. Coddington served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1966 and later served in the Tennessee Army National Guard. He received the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He retired with the rank of Colonel.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years Nan, three children, 6 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Dr C, as we residents knew him, did more to shape the way I take care of, they way I make my surgical decisions, and how I provide care than any of my teaching faculty. I was honored to take over his crippled children’s clinic when he retired. I worked with him as his resident and then his colleague. He is definitely the finest man and physician that I have known. He introduced me to Promise Keepers which forever changed my heart. God bless you Dr C, and I will always carry you in my heart. Thank you Nan for sharing him with us!