Dr. Seaborn Anderson Roddenbery III

Seaborn Anderson Roddenbery, III August 6, 1915 - April 13, 2010 HAMILTON, GA— Dr. Seaborn Anderson Roddenbery, III went home to be with the Lord on April 13, 2010. Andy was born August 6, 1915 in Thomasville, GA. He was the son of the late John William Roddenbery and the late Mary Carle Roddenbery Hofer. His great-grandfather, Seaborn Anderson Roddenbery of Cairo, GA, was a medical doctor who started the Roddenbery syrup, pickle, and peanut butter company. Andy Roddenbery was an ambitious young man and during his youth he achieved Eagle Scout. He graduated from Lanier High School in Macon, GA where he was voted Best-All-Around Student and earned the Charles Williamson Memorial Scholarship to attend the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Andy was a quarterback on the Bulldog team and, until his passing, had the distinct honor of being the oldest surviving football letterman of his beloved university. In addition, he made his mark academically, becoming a member of the Sphinx Club, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi (VP), Rhodes Scholar nominee, and later a member of the Georgia Gridiron Secret Society. After college, he went to Harvard Medical School and graduated in 1942. He married a beautiful nurse, Grace G. George, from Manchester, NH, and they moved to New York City for Andy to begin his internship at Roosevelt Hospital. From 1943-46, he was called to serve in the Army Air Force as a Flight Surgeon, entering as a 1st Lt. and honorably discharged with the rank of Major. He then resumed his post-graduate training at Emory Hospital (Atlanta, GA) and also Riverside Hospital (Jacksonville, FL). In July of 1950 a young Andy Roddenbery and his friend and classmate from Harvard, Abe Conger, began a medical practice in general surgery as partners in Columbus, GA. Ironically, his dear UGA friend Aaron Cohn lived right next door, and their friendship has continued as they remained best of friends. During his practice he served as President of the GA Surgical Society and Secretary of the GA Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. He, along with Dr. Ben Pike, pioneered endoscopy in Columbus and worked to raise money for the first equipment at St Francis Hospital. Andy retired in 1986 to his farm in Hamilton and authored I Swear By Apollo, a biography of Dr. Delmar Edwards, the first black surgeon to be Board Certified and able to practice surgery in Columbus. Andy, Abe, and Delmar performed many surgeries together and worked to break the color barrier for physicians. In the mid-to-late 60's when the public schools went through integration, Dr. Roddenbery was a member of the Muscogee County School Board and was a positive agent for change. His accolades include such prestigious awards as Muscogee County Medical Society Lifetime Achievement Award, Distinguished American Award from the GA Chapter of the National Football Hall of Fame, Emeritus member of the University of Georgia Athletic Board (who hired Vince Dooley), Emeritus member of the UGA Foundation, University of Georgia President's Club, and the 1999 recipient of the Bill Hartman Award, named in memory of his former teammate, for outstanding character and achievement in his chosen profession. Nothing was more important to Andy than his family, his work, and his faith in Jesus Christ. He loved his wife of 56 years and they raised four children. The family attended St. Luke United Methodist Church (Columbus, GA) where Andy was on the Administrative Board, member of the Shaw Sunday School Class, and the Chancel Choir. In later years, he was a member of Hamilton United Methodist Church (Hamilton, GA). He lived out his faith daily through his words and deeds. He had a passion for the University of Georgia, music, and singing. Andy Roddenbery was much loved by patients, friends, family, and community and will be greatly missed by all who have known him. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Grace George Roddenbery; a grandson, Tate Anderson Brookins; a sister, Martha (Sister Madeline) Roddenbery; a sister, Mary Roddenbery McElveen; and a half-brother, Pierre Roddenbery. Survivors include four children: a son, S. A. (Andy) Roddenbery, Jr (Donna), Pensacola, FL; a daughter, Ann R. Brookins (Frank), Athens, GA; a daughter, Roberta R. Alston (Robert), Hamilton, GA; a son, Edward J. Roddenbery (Becky), Columbus, GA; seven grandchildren: W. F. (Tripp) Brookins, III (Emily), Athens, GA; Laura R. Bell (Jay), Phoenix, AZ; Paige R. Eilertson (Philip), Portsmouth, RI; R. Travis Alston (Melanie), Huntsville AL; Mary Grace A. Lyon (Marcus), Tuscaloosa, AL; Dr. S. A. (Andy) Roddenbery, V (Mary), Tampa, FL; Ruth R. Mathews (Robert), Calhoun, GA; one half-brother, John W. Roddenbery, Jr (Cornelia), Tampa, FL; one half-sister, Bonnie Roddenbery McCrosky, Orange Park, FL; one sister-in-law, Roberta G. Robertson (Walt), Centerville, OH; 15 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A sincere thank you to his loving caregivers, especially Lillie Cannon, Sherry Sullivan, and her husband Mike. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church on April 17, 2010. Dr. Buddy Cooper and Rev. Bill Powell will be officiating. The family invites you to visit with them in the fellowship hall following the service. There will be a private family interment earlier that morning. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully asks that donations be made to Columbus Hospice (7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909), the University of Georgia Athletic Department (P.O. Box 1472, Athens, GA 30603), or to your favorite charity. Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.