Dr. Sheldon Soss

July 21, 2023, retired Doctor Sheldon Soss, 84, passed away peacefully at home in Knoxville, Tennessee surrounded by his beloved family and friends.
Sheldon is survived by his loving wife of forty-seven years, Terri, loving son, Jason and daughter-in-law, Brook; loving grandchildren Ari and Harlan Soss, eldest sister, Miriam Gerstine, niece Meryl and nephew Mark Gerstine along with children from a previous marriage, Renee, Joe, and Kim.
He is preceded in death by sister, Bernice Soss and parents, Joseph and Kathrine Soss.
Sheldon was born in Wilmington, Delaware on August 5th, 1938, to parents Joesph and Kathrine Soss. An Eagle Scout at the age of 13, he received the Ner Tamed Award for Jewish knowledge and service, the first of its kind ever made in Delaware. He graduated with honors from the University of Delaware in 1960 where he was a member of the Blue Hen swim team. He was the recipient of three scholarships: The American Cancer Society scholarship (was the first recipient in the state of Delaware), the University of Delaware General Scholarship, and the Wilmington Trust Company scholarship for outstanding pre-med students.
Sheldon started his medical education at Jefferson Medical University in Philadelphia, PA where he received a full scholarship from the Weymss Foundation. He completed his internship at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Long Beach CA, his General Surgical Residency at Sacred Heart Hospital Norristown, PA and his ENT residency at Jefferson Medical University, Philadelphia PA.
Dr. Soss began his medical career as Head of ENT training at Kaiser-Permanente Hospital, Oakland, CA. Shortly thereafter, he served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force and Assistant Chief of ENT at Kessler Air Force Hospital in Biloxi, MS. After discharge, he practiced briefly in Lakeland, Florida before moving to Knoxville TN to open a private practice. As founding member of Greater Knoxville ENT Associates, he practiced for over 30 years before retiring. He selflessly cared for patients at St. Mary's, Fort Sanders, Park West and University of Tennessee Hospitals.
Dr. Soss' surgical competence and professional accomplishments qualified him to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgery.
Sheldon retired in 2004 to Long Cove Club in Hilton Head Island, SC but he continued practicing his love of medicine at the Volunteers of Medicine clinic, a multi-specialty clinic for the indigent and working poor on the island. He was an avid golfer, a food and wine connoisseur and loved gardening and spending time with his friends and family. Sheldon also was an avid student of history, especially the history of WW II.
He will be forever remembered as a highly respected ENT surgeon, a Doctor's doctor, a prolific storyteller, thoughtful writer, academic, gracious host, loyal friend, loving husband, father and adoringly silly Pop Pop. Our love for him is bound neither by time nor space and he will reside in our hearts and minds forever.
A special thanks to UT Hospice and special caregivers Carter, Kirk and Thelma.
A Graveside Service for family and friends will be held at the New Jewish Cemetery at 2pm on Sunday July 30th. A reception to honor Sheldon will take place at Chesapeakes Seafood on Parkside Drive from 3:30-5:30 on July 30th. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Second Harvest Food of East TN, 136 Harvest Lane, Maryville, TN. 37801 or to VIM Clinic, PO Box 23858, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925. Rose Funeral and Cremation- Mann is honored to serve the Soss family and invites you to view and sign their online guestbook at rosefuneraltn.com.