Joe Burton Linker III

Joe Burton Linker, III died at his home in Athens, GA, on March 22, 2012. A man of enormous intellect and many talents and skills, he was born March 8, 1950 in Syracuse, NY, to Joe Burton Linker, Jr., and Mary Jane Auld Linker.

Dr. Linker grew up in Lynchburg, VA where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout by reinforcing and restoring an eroded embankment, was graduated Valedictorian from the Virginia Episcopal School, and was named Morehead Scholar at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

He completed a B.S. in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale University and earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia Medical School. An internship and residency followed at Brown University where he was chosen chief resident in internal medicine. He obtained a sub-specialty in allergy and immunology at Walter Reed Medical Center, and served as a physician with the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, NC.

Pursuing his interest in immunology, he completed a second sub-specialty in rheumatology and immunology at the University of New Mexico where he met his wife Kirsten Lundergan and began their family. Dr. Linker practiced medicine in Athens for 24 years.

He had a passion for the outdoors, was always up for a tennis game, and was a dedicated runner. He kept his car stocked with books, medical journals, CDs, exercise and hiking gear. He loved challenges from running the Pike's Peak Marathon or the Sandia Crossing to competing in tennis and bridge tournaments. Trying his ear at the Piano Puzzler on WUGA-FM complemented his great love of classical music and the many performances he enjoyed at Hodgson Hall on the UGA campus. He was a regular attendee at the big screen showings of the Metropolitan Operas on Saturday afternoons at Beechwood Cinema.

When he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme he embraced his "expedited retirement" by listening to and studying his cherished classical music, voraciously reading, dining with friends, and reflecting on the wisdom shared with him by patients who struggle with debilitating illness. He was sustained daily by the prayers, notes, and love steadfastly sent his way by so many of his friends, colleagues, and patients.

In addition to his wife Kirsten Lundergan-Linker and his parents, Dr. Linker is survived by his son Hart, sister Jane Auld Linker (Terry O'Leary), aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A reception in his memory will be held Tuesday March 27, 2012 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at the Day Chapel at the State Botanical Garden on Milledge Ave. in Athens. A private graveside service will be at a later date.

Rather than flowers please consider a donation in his memory to the Ark (640-A Barber Street Athens GA 30601 or the Athens Greenway (Athens Land Trust/Greenway Project 685 N. Pope St Athens, GA 30601).