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DAVIS DRINKWATER Obituary
View the online memorial for Dr. Davis Clapp, Jr. DRINKWATER
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Memories and Condolences
for DAVIS DRINKWATER
Joe Diaz
January 23, 2026
Dr. Drinkwater performed a quintruple bypass on me on 6/14/2001. I'll always be eternally grateful to him. I was sadden to hear of his passing. He was a compassionate and skilled surgeon! May he Rest in Peace!
Chris Carr
January 21, 2026
Dr. Drinkwater performed 3 surgeries on my 25 year old daughter when she was 2 weeks, 4 months, and 1.5 years old for CoA, TGV, and RVOT obstruction. His surgical skill was impeccable and his judgment for staging her operations was special. I also trained under him as a resident and was fortunate to see him one more time in 2016 when I was able to thank him for his healing of my daughter from 16 years prior. I am forever grateful.
Shannon A
September 19, 2025
I just saw where Dr. Drinkwater passed away in 2017. He was a special gift from God. God was with him on every surgery he had done. I performed surgery when my son was just 4 days old for HLHS, 3 months old, and my sons final surgery when he was 2 1/2 years old. God was with Dr. Drinkwater every step of the way to help guide his hands on such a tiny little person. After my son's last surgery; I was told he would be lucky if he made it to the age of 18 years old. My son is now 26 and will be 27 in February 2026. My son is currently in heart failure; but the good doctor and the good Lord has blessed me with many years with my son. I prayed the day of his surgery for God to guide the doctors hands and if God let my son make it through the surgery; I would be grateful for whatever time I got to have with my son. I have had 26 wonderful and proud years with my son. If my son was to go today, tomorrow, or next week; I will be forever grateful for the time God allowed me with along with Him guiding Dr. Drinkwater's hands. God truly gifted Dr. Drinkwater with a very special gift. I hope his family truly realizes how special he was and the happiness he was able to bring to all those he was able to help. God Bless and RIP
Julie H
July 10, 2024
I just found out today that Dr. Drinkwater had passed away. My 19 year old son, whom he performed life-saving surgery (TGV repair) on when he was 10 days old, is having surgery for a third time at Vanderbilt today. Dr. Drinkwater was an exceptional surgeon and we are so grateful for his extraordinary skill and compassion. When my son was 7, Dr. Drinkwater put his pacemaker in. I know it's been 7 years since his passing but praying his family finds comfort in the difference his life made to so many.
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Joe Diaz
February 14, 2024
It's been 23 years that Dr.Drinkwater performed a quintruple by-pass on me. I am so sad to hear,today,that he passed. My deepest condolences to his family!!!
John Butcher
August 16, 2023
Dr. Drink water performed surgery on my 1 year old daughter in 1999. She had a hole between her ventricles. She had never crawled until 4 days after the surgery when we brought her to my sisters´ house in Franklin. Today she 25 and just started practicing as an Optometrist. We are forever in his debt!!!
Jon A. Shults
May 10, 2023
Dr Drinkwater performed 5 bypasses on me on Apr 21, 2011. I weighed 271 the day of surgery. At 6´1", he said I could live another 40 years if I made some lifestyle changes. Today at 66, I am 212 and still working out 3 days a week to maintain a healthy weight.
His surgical skills saved my life. His words, from those steely eyes, have echoed in my mind every day.
Terribly saddened to learn he had died. An incredible blessing to all he served. My sincere condolences to his family.
Thomas Illobre
November 4, 2021
Dr. Drinkwater did a Ross Procedure on me 16 years ago, when I was only 11 years old. I will never forget how scared I was. I owe that man so much, as 16 years later, I'm still here. What a great man. I will forever be in debt to him.
Terry Potts
January 15, 2021
I just found this out! Dr. Drinkwater did open heart surgery me when I was 14 years old. He was an amazing doctor. To his family, you should be so proud to a part of his legacy. I'm sure you had to sacrifice a lot of time with his career. But sacrifice allowed him to save many lives. Thank you for allowing him to be the amazing doctor he was!
Dan Selleck
January 1, 2021
Dear Friends and Relatives of Dr. Drinkwater,
Dr. Drinkwater saved my life 27 years ago. I was sent from Little Company of Mary Hospital to him at UCLA with a very bad staph infection that was destroying my aortic valve and had about a week to live. I needed a Ross procedure done. Dr. Drinkwater immediately assured me that I would be just fine- and I was and am still. He was so kind and reassuring and knowledgeable. I happened to be thinking about him today so I Googled him, and am so sorry to hear of his passing.
William Gregory Bethel
January 31, 2020
We worked together in a hospital in Boston in early 1970s, before medical school. He was very friendly and funny. I am sorry for him and his family. I am happy he had such a successful career.
Josh Skelton
August 15, 2019
If it wasn't for Dr. Drinkwater performing an emergency heart surgery on me when I was just 12 days old I wouldn't be here today. His passion for medicine, surgery, and for helping others in need has saved the life's of so many. Not all hero's wear capes. Rest In Peace.
NEWTON ROBINSON
April 6, 2019
ONLY RECENTLY FOUND OUT OF DR. DRINKWATER'S PASSING, I JOIN ALL THE OTHER TRIBUTES OF THIS MAN. HE SAVED MY LIFE AND HAD THE MOST WONDERFUL BEDSIDE MANNER. A MAN YOU KNEW YOU COULD TRUST. HAD EVERYONE'S RESPECT AND LIT UP A ROOM WHENEVER HE APPEARED. WILL NEVER FORGET HIM REST IN PEACE SIR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SKILL AND DEDICATION TO YOUR PROFESSION.
Rob Holliday
January 7, 2018
Dr. Drinkwater performed open heart surgery on my son when he was three days old and later performed a heart transplant for my son as well while at Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital. He saved my son's life and although our son passed at 4 years old, without Dr Drinkwater, we wouldn't have had the time we did. May he rest in peace.
Fay Huffaker
December 12, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater did surgery on my husband back 6 years ago . Removing a heathy veil from his leg and replaced in his heart. Saving his life. He was a very good even great surgeon. I will always be grateful for him. May he Rest In Peace and his family know he was a wonderful person who saved many lives.
Katherine Maize
December 5, 2017
My family referred to Dr Drinkwater as our family heart surgeon. In 1999, he did a quadruple bypass on my husband and removed a blood clot from the top of his aorta. We later discovered that the clot was a tumor! In 2007 he performed heart surgery on my premie granddaughter who didnt weigh 2 pounds. In 2015, he performed a triple bypass on my brother. His calmness always made us feel that it was going to be OK. Thanks for all the lives you saved. We are all extremely grateful.
Larry Chamberlain
November 20, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater performed a quintuple bypass surgery on me, on January 21, 2014, at Tri Star Centennial. I'm still here only because he was so good at what he did. He will be missed.
Steve Brickse
November 15, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater performed a quintuple by-pass surgery for me in June, 2015 at Tri-Star Centennial (Nashville). Very grateful for all he had done. I live to tell about it.
Darlene Brooks
September 16, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater operated on my tiny daughter at UCLA in August of 1985. She had an atrial septal defect. He sutured the large hole, and she came through beautifully. He came out to speak to us after the surgery...so calm, kind, and said "it went so well, it didn't take as long as we thought it would". Tall, with the most striking blue eyes. Lauren has a Ph.D in German and is living in State College PA with her finacee, Tom. Runs 10ks, teaches body pump classes, as well as being a professor. She is the oldest of my three children. I was so excited to find a video to send her, and then I saw his obituary. So sad to hear of his passing. Thank you for giving my daughter the highest possible quality of life.
kevin turner
July 22, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater performed my father's heart surgery in 2001. This allowed my father to see me become a physician, and allowed him to see his four grandchildren. He is still living and enjoying his grandchildren to this day. Every year we celebrate the anniversary of his life saving heart surgery. The dept i owe Dr. Drinkwater can never be re-payed but i hope i can touch the lives and make a difference in a fraction of the patients he has .
Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin Turner
Leanne Welsh
June 21, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater's family -
He did my open heart surgery in 2012 at Centennial. What a wonderful, compassionate and caring surgeon he was. I would send him a thank you letter on every anniversary of my open heart surgery. He sent me back a personal letter the last time I sent him my letter. I will hold on to this letter with an even deeper meaning now. I am so very sorry for your loss of this wonderful surgeon. He had a beautiful and kind welcoming spirit about himself. I owe my life to him and I grieve for your deep loss of this wonderful doctor. He was a master in cardiology and I will forever remain grateful and blessed!
God bless you all!
Kevin Earnst
May 31, 2017
My oldest son Corey had heart surgery at 8 months old in Nashville at Vanderbilt Hospital. Dr Drinkwater was his surgeon. I remember this event like it was yesterday as it was a very big event in our family at the time. I remember Dr. Drinkwater from this time which was spring of 1998 as even tho we were feeling lost and concerned for Corey's heart condition. We felt very confident being under this Dr's care. Corey is now 19 years old and amazing in every way. He is the most active person ever and we often joke that maybe the Dr tweaked him up while in surgery as he has been in extreme motion ever since! Corey and his new wife are visiting Nashville in July and asked me today what was my Dr.s name. I shared it and he thought I wonder if he is still there in town. We googled him only to find out he had passed in March. Sorry to hear about this loss but so glad Dr Drinkwater did such amazing work and was a part of this procedure in Corey's life. We are very grateful for all he did. Thank you. Best wishes to the family and Thank you!
Debbie Garrett
May 31, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater is the reason I still have a brother. He was a great and kind man. I am very sorry for his family.
Patricia Armes
May 27, 2017
I just found this and was deeply saddened to read this Dr Drinkwater saved my life May 20th 7years ago. I remember telling him when he came to my room how grateful I was and he he'd the most kindest eyes that I had ever seen . God bless you and heaven has a very special Angel.
Jan Musgrove
May 14, 2017
So sorry to hear of his passing. I was diagnosed with Bicuspid Aortic Valve and an aortic aneurysm in 2011. He performed aortic valve replacement on me and saved my life. I'm so thankful to have been one of his patients.
George and Judith Kopchak
May 12, 2017
A huge grateful THANK YOU to Dr. Drinkwater for his awesome bedside manners and excellent care during my husband's quadruple heart bypass surgery 2010.
Tawnie Totty
May 4, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater was an amazing surgeon. He performed two of my three open heart surgeries. I honestly don't know if I would be here today if it wasn't for him.
C. Hambrick
April 27, 2017
I am very sorry to hear of Dr. Drinkwater's passing. He performed surgery on my triplet infant son in 2005. He saved his life. He had a calm and compassionate spirit that I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.
Cyndi Echols
April 13, 2017
Prayers for the family's. He saved my dad's life.
Phil Navarra
April 12, 2017
He saved my husbands life. He was so kind to us. Our hearts are filled with sadness. Our prayers go out to all his family. We are so sorry for your loss. He was the best heart surgeon my husband could have ever had. His kindness to us will never be forgotten. Phil and Pam Navarra Gallatin TN.
Rochelle Payne
April 12, 2017
My deepest condolences to his lovely wife, Donna, whom I met in 2011 and his family. I am deeply saddened to know that this great man is no longer on this earth. His time here was well served and selfless. He saved many lives. He operated on a baby of one of my friends many, many years ago, and unbeknownst to me, he would operate on me, as well as my sister, many, many years later. He removed a membrane from my heart and repaired by aortic valve and replaced my sister's aortic valve, 2011 and 2012, respectively. He had a great bedside manner, which is often not the case with surgeons. May he rest in sweet peace.
Rochelle Payne
Julie Fahndrick, RN
April 10, 2017
I worked with Dr. Drinkwater at UCLA in the Operating Room for his entire tenure. So many wonderful days (and nights) taking care of Cardiac Surgery patients. He always had a kind word to say and was an absolute pleasure to work with. He will be missed.
Jo Nell Owens
April 4, 2017
I was so shocked and saddened when I heard of Dr. Drinkwater's passing. A brilliant, gifted, and compassionate man, he, his nurse at the time, Leslie, and Dr. T J Killian, got me through some tough times in 2009 at Centennial Medical Center, for which I am forever grateful. RIP, Dr. Drinkwater. You were an angel on earth and now you're an angel in Heaven.
Jo Nell Owens, Nashville, Tennessee
Fia Purer
March 31, 2017
Uncle Davey was a kind, compassionate and sensitive person who cared deeply about his patients and his family.
He had those beautiful penetrating blue eyes that spoke volumes. I will never forget him as a child and how sweet he was an uncle and how much we all admired and looked up to him.
My only regret is that I did not spend enough time with him and that our busy lives took precedent. I was grateful that I was able to speak to him on the phone last year and tell how much we all loved him.
Although our family is deeply saddened I know that he left behind a true legacy and in the 70 years he was with us he touched, healed, saved and inspired many of us to hold ourselves to the highest standard and to never stop helping others.
We miss you Uncle Davey!
Xo
Fia
Tamara Curtis
March 29, 2017
Prayers for the family. This is gonna sound crazy but ... I never really met Dr Drinkwater but I will forever be grateful for his God given skills, he saved the life of my newborn by performing a surgical co-aortictation repair.. she was his first surgery of the day & he stayed so busy that day (7 surgeries with a heart transplant as one of them)... his team took great care of us... at our surgical follow up he was called out for another emergency & he stuck his head in apologized & another professional stepped in... 16 years later & we never once regretted having not really meet him, we understood his need was greater caring for those who were critical. We live an hour away from Vanderbilt, I'm & occupational therapist in a small hospital in Hopkinsville Ky, I was talking with a family member that works in cardiology in Nashville which led to a discussion about my daughter, I asked if he knew Dr Drinkwater, he said " as a matter of fact I knew him well, best surgeon I ever knew, haven't worked with him in years but he will be missed". I was shocked to learn of his passing. I started crying when I told my family what I had heard, I've thought about him so many times over that past few days as I realized that our family never really communicated our appreciation.... I hope that this message finds its way to those who truly knew & loved Dr Drinkwater, I want you to know that he was very much appreciated. I would also like to say Thank You to his loved ones. I can not even imagine the millions of family functions missed & sacrifices made.. time that can not be redeemed ... thank you is not enough... but I pray you find some comfort In knowing of the gift of life given to so many ... Dr Drinkwater will always be TRULY remembered in the HEARTs of those he touched. God bless you!
Debbie Thomas
March 29, 2017
Dr Drinkwater replaced my Daddy's aortic valve at Vanderbilt about 15 years ago. My Daddy will turn 90 on Halloween if the good Lord is willing. We are the Thomas family from Laurens, South Carolina and we will be forever grateful to the extra time given our family through Dr Drinkwater's God given expertise. I will never forget him and his staff. He had a very caring nurse named Debi that was a comfort to us. I'm so sorry for the loss of this fine man. Sincerely, Debbie Thomas
Ned Pinkerton
March 29, 2017
So sorry to learn of Davy's passing-Ned Pinkerton, cousin
Steve Andricks
March 27, 2017
I was his last bypass operation. Just learned of his passing and am devastated. I owe my life to him
Earle DiRard
March 26, 2017
Dr Drinkwater did 6 bypasses on me 5 years ago. His skill and care are the reason I'm alive today. He was a wonderfully talented surgeon and a kind and caring man. Happy
Randy Hooper
March 23, 2017
Sympathy to the Drinkwater family. Dr. Drinkwater repaired my mitral valve in June 2016. I am thankful for his skill, courage and poise. I cherish the photo of us together during recovery. It is a privilege and blessing to know him.
Leigh Ann (Bishop) Long, RN
March 23, 2017
Dr Drinkwater was one of the most professional doctors I ever had the privilege to work with. I wish I had know he was ill and I am sad that he is gone. The world has lost a wonderful human being and a talent beyond comparison. My best days in the OR were the days I worked with him. God bless his next journey and his family as they grieve.
Debbie RN
March 21, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater was the ultimate Professional. He was the best Cardiologist ever because he was not only skilled but he was kind and possessed a great bedside manner. He was so , so nice to all Nurses and treated us as the Professionals we are and with the respect Nurses deserve. He always had that smile. His patients and their families adored him as much as the Nursing Staff. Thank You, Dr. Drinkwater and God keep your family. You will be missed.
Jim & Peggy Coleman
March 18, 2017
A few years ago Dr. Drinkwater saved my husband's life by performing 4 bypasses and a heart valve replacement. Not only did he save his life but he has given us years together that we would not have had without him. He was a great doctor whose profession he was decidated to, saving the lives of countless people during his many years as a surgeon. We will always be thankful to Dr. Drinkwater for his dedication to his career, to his patients and to their families.
Thank you, Dr. Drinkwater.
American Heart Association
March 17, 2017
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Janet Nixon
March 17, 2017
I'm convinced that Dr. Drinkwater is the reason I survived my heart valve surgery in 2011. Because of complications, my surgery lasted over 13 hours. He never have up on me, even when my heart started to separate when he was finally ready to close. Not only was he a gifted surgeon, he was humble, kind, & caring to all he worked with or met, I talked to many people who knew him & time after time they told stories of his skill & but more importantly his kindness to all. He will be a great loss to Centennial, & all who were privileged to know him or to be his patient.
Donna Jones
March 17, 2017
Dr Drinkwater performed double by pass on my husband 6 years ago. He is the best cardiac surgeon ever. He was very kind and very caring physician. He was loved by all his patients. He will be forever missed.
Donna Sabash
March 17, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater was the consummate professional and a gentleman. I so enjoyed working with him at Vanderbilt. I can still see his face and smile. I will always remember his kindness and the day he went out of his way to thank me for doing my job and making a "great catch". He was a giant among CT surgeons. Deepest sympathies to all of his family. Donna Sabash
Sonia Greene
March 16, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater was just one of the many cardiovascular doctors I've known in my career. Of all of those men and women, there will never be another like Dr. Drinkwater. Always kind and compassionate to all he met, Dr. Drinkwater was most certainly a one of a kind. May God be with his family. Dr. Drinkwater is resting in the arms of the angels in the glory of Heaven. His legacy will live on not just in his family, but in every patient he cared for, every life he saved, every person he met and every friend he made. ✝
Pamela Rosado
March 15, 2017
RIP dear, sweet ,talented Doctor. You saved my life and so far I have now got to know 3 little grandchildren that I would've missed out on. So very grateful for this extra Blessing. May you receive many crowns in Glory. You made your life count and we were all mightily blessed. Your light will certainly be missed. Much Love and Gratitude from Pamela Rosado and Family.
Lolly Delli-Bovi
March 15, 2017
Words cannot express how devastated I feel at this loss. You were a dear friend, irrevocably linked to college memories, medical school aspirations, and shared college and family friends. Your dry sense of humor and strong commitment to your family will endure.
Debi Andrews
March 15, 2017
You were a great friend and boss. Im glad we didn't lose contact after you left Vanderbilt and appreciate that you checked on my dad when he was at Centennial. You will truly be missed.
Linda Mabry
March 15, 2017
You were a delight to meet in the halls of Vanderbilt and Centennial Medical! I will
Miss your sweet smile and kindness to me.
You are a true giant among men! Rip
Dr.Drinkwater,you are and were loved by
Me.
Joseph Barker
March 15, 2017
Dr. Drinkwater saved my life - to say that I appreciate his skills as a surgeon and a human being is to understate the obvious. More than saving me his actions each day saved a bit of humanity for the world. He was a savior and a professional. I hope that I can use the additional time he gave me to do good things. The day before he worked on me - he saved three young babies. He told me that he would take care of me in due course (as he did), but he was committed to those three babies. I am so lucky to have known him!
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