Robert "Bob" Wayne "Bob" Waddell, MD MD

A life well lived, Dr. Robert Wayne "Bob" Waddell, MD, 90, passed away peacefully at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital on July 20, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 10, 1934, in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and growing up in Galax, Virginia, Bob was the son of Dr. Robert L. Waddell and Evelyn F. Waddell. He attended Fork Union Military Academy and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Wake Forest College in 1956. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Virginia (now VCU School of Medicine) in 1960, and completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery there in 1965.

In 1955, Bob married the love of his life, Carolyn Ruth Thomas. Together, they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage, celebrating their milestone anniversary in April 2025. He was a dedicated husband, proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Bob moved his family to Virginia Beach in 1965, where he became a driving force and one of the founding members of the city's first orthopedic practice-an institution that continues to serve the community today. He was a Charter Staff Member of the General Hospital of Virginia Beach which replaced the 25-bed oceanfront hospital in 1965, and he played a significant role in helping to shape the hospital as it grew. Because he cared so much about other people, and after experiencing firsthand, as

an orthopedic surgeon, the deaths and traumatic injuries caused from automobile crashes where seat belts had not been used, Bob became a staunch advocate and leader in educating the public in Virginia and Virginia Beach about seat belt use and its ability to save lives and reduce injuries. He was appointed to, and served on, the Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Commission for a number of years. Bob contributed to numerous other local organizations as an instructor, lecturer, and leader.

Bob was a devoted long-time member of Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, where he gave his time and talents generously. After practicing medicine for 32 years, Bob retired in 1992 due to health issues, but remained active and engaged in his passions. He enjoyed investing, and was an avid fisherman and gifted woodworker, creating beautiful and functional items. As a woodturner and former president of the Tidewater Turners of Virginia, he produced beautiful works of art, which he shared with friends and family. However, his greatest joy came from time spent with his family. Bob will be remembered as a kind, humble, and generous man, a devoted husband and father, and a healer in every sense of the word.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his children, Robert (Melissa) W. Waddell, Jr., Michael (Anne) S. Waddell, David T. Waddell, MD, and Carol (Jim) W. Wootton; his brother, Kenneth (Elaine) Waddell; sister, Doris (Jeff) Morris; twelve grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Robert and Evelyn Waddell, and his brother, Dr. William B. Waddell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach. A private family burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3276. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.holloman-brown.com.