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Thomas Pinckney Rutledge Rivers M.D.
Thomas Pinckney Rutledge Rivers M.D.
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Thomas Rivers Obituary
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KimBerly Fred Holston
February 28, 2024
I was just thinking of Dr Rivers and telling my husband what a wonderful man he was to work for, to be his patient, to be advised by him like a father, and have the benefit of his exceptional Laparoscopic Surgery skills. Then I came upon the beautiful article about his life, loves, and legacy. The Rivers family, I pray that the out pouring of love and admiration for Dr Rivers from so many friends and family brings back memories of wonderful times and that it helps to ease your pain. He had such a beautiful heart that he shared with so many people and I hope he was able to enjoy his retirement together with you and your beautiful family. God Bless you all.
Monica Lacey
September 27, 2023
Dr Rivers saved my life when I was 28 now I´m 79. I did not know he had died until yesterday. I will miss him.
Rhonda Varner Varner
February 10, 2021
Dr. Rivers was the best. He took care of my Mother and sister! I started seeing him when I was 19 until he retired. He meant the world to me and my husband. He would pray with me and was a fine man! Mary and family, my heart goes out to all of you. May God watch over you. I know he's watching over you to! Rhonda Varner
Rhonda
Pat Wallace
December 25, 2020
Mary and family I am so sorry for the loss of Dr. Rivers I just found out or I would have attended his funeral. Sending many prayers and love to all of you.
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Grange Simons,111 Lucas
December 14, 2020
Peace
William Thomason
December 11, 2020
Dear Thomas,
Thank you for all that you did for us especially putting me up in The Middleton Hunt Club.
I've made a donation to the Avian Conservation Center in your memory.
Sincerely Yours,
Bonner Thomason
Carmen Foster
December 8, 2020
I think that Dr. Rivers was not only an OB-GYN doctor. He was also a doctor of the soul, a doctor or nature, a dedicated father and I, for one, enjoyed all his wisdom and down-to-earthness. I am forever grateful for knowing his daughters Elizabeth, Franny, Cacky and Elise and son, Thomas, and the rest of his family. They always made me feel as part of them. He was brilliant and he will be sorely missed. I wish for his family to feel his love carry them through this sad time. He is still watching all of you, with a smile on his face. Thank you, Dr. Rivers, for all the life lessons. I listened, and am a better person for it.
Barbara Schneider
December 6, 2020
Dr. Rivers was a great doctor and a wonderful man. Forty years ago, he saved my life! As a young newlywed I was left unable to have children of my own. I was able to get through this difficult time in my life under his care. The morning after my emergency hysterectomy he got so excited because he was able to witness what it looked like for a woman to have a hot flash... the first he'd seen! We shared some great laughs over this. He was the best doctor I ever had and he'll always be forever in my heart.
Amy Mulvaney
December 5, 2020
In 1967, at Fort Jackson Army hospital, Dr Rivers saved my life from a prolapsed cord delivery. He had to perform a C-section so quickly the tip of the scalpel nicked my temple. He and my father called it my “birth mark”. After moving around the world with the military, we were vacationing in Charleston, SC on my 16th birthday. My dad was looking in the phone book and saw Dr Thomas Rivers OBGYN, called him and asked, “Sixteen years ago today did you deliver a prolapsed cord baby at Fort Jackson Army base?” Dr. Rivers finished the story and asked us to meet him after work. When I got out of the car, he brushed my hair aside to reveal my “birth mark”, picked me up and began to cry. In 1993 when I became pregnant, Dr Rivers was my OB. When I went into premature labor at 27 weeks and almost delivered, once again Dr. Rivers intervened and saved our son’s life. Dr. Rivers also introduced our family to St Andrews where we have been members for 25 years. We are just one family of many thousand who’s lives were significantly impacted by this incredible man who loved God and made each person feel special. Mary and all his family, we are praying for you.
Patti Evans
December 5, 2020
Mary, I am so sorry to read about Tommy’s passing. I didn’t even know he was sick. Can’t believe he was 86. A long, good life, 7000 babies!, and we know where he is. Rejoicing about that. Please tell Elise I am praying for her and of course for you as you adjust to life without your sweet, fun partner of 39 years! So glad I was able to know and enjoy him.
Denise Moorer
December 4, 2020
Dr. Tommy was my OB/GYN for 35 years. He was absolutely the best, but he was the best person, compassionate, thoughtful, and always kept me laughing. When he retired from the practice I couldn't believe that I wouldn't have him as my doctor. And then we began to see him at the College of Charleston Basketball games, what a joy. I have no doubt he is in heaven, checking out all the fishing spots, beautiful gardens, and the birds. We are all so blessed to have had Dr. Tommy in our lives. Prayers and thoughts to his family at this time.
Anna Candler Fraser
December 4, 2020
I loved him dearly.A wonderful doctor and a great, great friend. The world has lost such a light.
Marjorie Swofford
December 3, 2020
Dr. Rivers was a very pleasant, kind and caring man to be around.I thought the world of him. I am so grateful my grandchildren Rutledge and Caroline were fortunate enough to have a grandfather as loving as he was. He will not be forgotten, rest in eternal peace Tommy. God bless you and your wonderful family.
Beverly Waggoner Lucas
December 3, 2020
THANK GOD FOR SENDING DR. RIVERS TO DO GREAT THINGS IN OUR WORLD. I MET HIM WHEN I WAS 17 HE HAS HELPED SO MANY PEOPLE IN OUR LOW COUNTRY. I DON'T BELIEVE THERE WILL BE ANYONE THAT CAN FILL HIS SHOES. GLAD TO HAVE HIM AS A DOCTOR. HE DIFFINATLY CARED FOR HIS PATIENTS. GREAT GUY
Beverly Waggoner Lucas
December 3, 2020
THANK GOD FOR SENDING DR. RIVERS TO DO GREAT THINGS IN OUR WORLD. I MET HIM WHEN I WAS 17 HE HAS HELPED SO MANY PEOPLE IN OUR LOW COUNTRY. I DON'T BELIEVE THERE WILL BE ANYONE THAT CAN FILL HIS SHOES. GLAD TO HAVE HIM AS A DOCTOR. HE DIFFINATLY CARED FOR HIS PATIENTS. GREAT GUY
Toni Kirby
December 3, 2020
Dr. Rivers delivered both of my children. He was my doctor from the sixties until his retirement. I, also, cried when he told me he was retiring. I begged him not to!
He was a very special person, a caring and compassionate doctor, and someone I trusted and depended on. He helped me navigate some difficult times. I will forever be grateful for his care. May he rest in eternal peace!
Winnie Corbin
December 3, 2020
Dr Rivers was my OB/GYN for many years. He delivered both my children and for that I am truly grateful. When he retired, I cried and told him there would never be another Physician like you!! I was fortunate enough to every now and then run into him at Roper Hospital where I work and I was always greeted with a smile and a hug . It was truly a blessing to have known this gentle man and I thank his family for sharing him for so many years. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of his family during this very difficult time.
Lanora Rogers
December 3, 2020
Dr. Rivers was my doctor, as well as my two sisters' doctor, for many years up until his retirement. I loved him from the first visit and always looked forward to seeing him. Dr. Rivers was the most caring doctor I have every known. He took such good care of me during the good times and through the difficult times as well. I always felt that he cared about me as a person and I trusted him completely. I cried the day he told me he was retiring and I am greatly saddened to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, Dr. Rivers. You will be greatly missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Edwina Brewer
December 3, 2020
Dr. Rivers was a pleasure to work with at St. Francis. Sending my prayers and condolences to the family. May God bring you peace during these trying times.
Barbara Britz
December 3, 2020
Dr. Rivers was my OB-GYN for many, many years and he delivered both of my children. He was a great doctor and a good person. He will be missed by so very many people.
Betty Williams Westphal
December 3, 2020
Mrs. Williams called the chapel and asked that we share her sympathies with Mrs. Rivers and the Rivers family.
Renate Wyndham Bodo
December 3, 2020
So sorry to hear of this sweet man's passing. I was a patient of Dr. Rivers for many, many years. He delivered all three of my children to which I am ever grateful to him. I had very difficult births and he pulled me through each one of them. He was more of a friend to me than a doctor and oh how I loved his bedside manner with such care and compassion. He showed such dedication in his profession. I will miss him. May you rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers go to all his family and friends.
Lindsay Long
December 3, 2020
Tommy was such a special person. For years he would drop off enough split fat lighter wood for us to enjoy for a whole year. Very thoughtful and generous.
Bonnie Grossman
December 3, 2020
I adored Doctor Tommy. When I moved here in 1985, someone told me he was the best, and I called immediately. Many years later, when Tommy was no longer accepting new patients and not delivering babies, he agreed to take care of my 83-year-old mother. He told her, "Don't worry about anything, Mama. You now belong to me." She lived many good years after her hysterectomy and beamed at the mere mention of Dr. Rivers.
One time when I went for my regular appointment, I was in horrible pain. A "specialist" was calling it fibromyalgia. Tommy said, "Girl, you got the shingles. We're going to give you some anti-nuts pills." No other doctor could have said that -- but he was so right.
Broke my heart to read he had passed. I hope all his retirement was blessed.
Tom Kunkle
December 3, 2020
Dear Mary,
I'm so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. He was a special man and I'll always remember him fondly. Keeping you in our hearts,
Tom and Sue
Reid Simons~Fulton
December 3, 2020
To Thomas, the girls and their families my heartfelt sympathies. He dated my mother in their early years and delivered my baby sister Heyward ! What a wonderful person to bring so many Charlestonians into this world. Prayers for you all ~
Rebecca Busby
December 3, 2020
I worked with Dr. Rivers at St. Francis hospital for over 30 years. He was a joy to talk with and hear about some of his deliveries. He truly loved his work and made some sad scary situations better. God Bless you Dr. Tommy.. Love to your family, Becky Shehane Busby
Bobbie and Herb Rothschild
December 3, 2020
Heartfelt sympathy to all the family. A beautiful write up in the paper and love the photo. Blessings!
Jimmy Hayes
December 3, 2020
To the Rivers family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss.I know how difficult these times can be.I hope all of your memories comfort you for the future.You are all in my thoughts and prayers.God bless.
Linda Powell
December 3, 2020
Dr. Rivers was a doctor that cross all racial lines to care for the women's in Charleston sc. RIP DR. RIVERS Patient since 1975 Linda Powell
Mary Shriner
December 3, 2020
He was so special. Delivered my son. The day he told me he was returning we both cried. Rest In Peace Dr. Rivers
Lynn Adams
December 2, 2020
It was an honor to work with him. He always had a smile to share. He will be missed dearly by those who knew him.
Carolyn VanCleef
December 2, 2020
He was one of the best...he will be sorely missed. Early in my nursing career, he took me under his wing to help me through some tough spots. Early on too, I babysat for him and his wife. He was a special caring man and a great doctor. Rest In Peace Dr TPR Rivers.
Nancy Kennedy
December 2, 2020
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for ALL of the family. What a special Dr. and friend to so many. RIP Tommy Rivers.
Laura Schwach
December 2, 2020
Such a sweet man. He was my ob when I was 14, I am now 52. He and my mother Nancy were at MUSC together many years ago. So sorry for your loss! to his dear family.
Lawrence Wertan
December 2, 2020
Dr. Rivers was a good man as well as a good doctor. My mother was nurse's aide and worked with him at Roper Hospital. He also helped a young friend of mind when I was a student at CSU and she needed a good doctor for a complicated problem with regular cycling. He never made you feel like it was a bother to help you or any trouble to come out after hours. I never met anyone as even and steady and competent as Dr. Rivers. RIP Doc!
Nancy Jordan
December 2, 2020
Mary, I was so sad to read of Tommy's passing. He delivered our oldest daughter, Meghan, and was my ob-gyn for many years. He was a delightful and caring man and I have never had such a wonderful doctor since he retired. You and the children will be in my prayers~~~
Love,
Nancy Youngblood Jordan
Darla Wier
December 2, 2020
Mary and Family, I will always cherish the many years of working with Dr. Rivers in the O.R. He was always a joy to work with and was a true Charleston gentleman. He was adored by all who worked with him. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Jackie Holladay Lawrence
December 2, 2020
To the Rivers family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. My mother, Mary Holladay, worked for Dr. Rivers for the majority of her nursing career. What an extraordinary team they made! She cared for Dr. Rivers like he was one of her own. She also admired him and his ability to care for others. As for me, Dr. Rivers was not only my doctor for many years but someone that I confided in and depended on through the difficult teenage years. He always made time for me and listened without judgment. I grew up in the office of Charleston OB/GYN. His humor and love had a great impact on me. Dr. Rivers was such an important person to me that he carried the cross in my wedding 27 years ago when I married the love of my life. Although I have not seen Dr. Rivers in quite sometime, he will always remain in my heart. I am very blessed and grateful that God gave me the opportunity to know this wonderful man.
With love and prayers,
Jackie Holladay Lawrence
Bernice Martin
December 2, 2020
To Franny and family: We were sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad was a great man and will be missed by so many people. Dr. Rivers was a wonderful doctor and I'm glad I had the pleasure of knowing him. We send our condolences and prayers.
Ralph, Bernice and Ashley Martin
Rhonda Huckabee
December 1, 2020
I worked for Dr. Rivers at Charleston OB/GYN for many years and he was a one of a kind wonderful person. I have many wonderful memories of him and the stories he would tell. I have thought of him often since I left his employ and he will always remain one of my favorite people. Mary, may God bless you and the entire family.
Debbie Walker
December 1, 2020
My heart is broken . You will never know how much this man meant to me. I have and share so many memories. He gave me my backbone for ultrasound . He taught me so, so much. He was a beautiful role model . He helped and touched many lives. Mostly he was my friend, I will miss him. Mary , my love to you and the family .
Debbie and Jim Walker
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