Robert Earl E. Nolan

Dr. Robert E. Nolan, at the age of 90, passed peacefully at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Center in Winston-Salem on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Dr. Nolan was born on September 20, 1926 in Lorain, Ohio to parents William and Alice Nolan. He was preceded in death by one brother Cliff Nolan. Dr. Nolan married Marie Claude Biet who also preceded him in death. Dr. Nolan is survived by daughters Carolyn Nolan of Winston Salem and Michele Kelley (Patrick) of Winston Salem, sons Patrick and Eric Nolan both of Winston Salem. Three grandchildren Patrick, Bridgette and Robert Kelley. Niece Peggy (Jeff) Hamrlik of Arizona, nephew Jim (Kathy) Nolan of Lorain Ohio, niece Shelley (Al) Szafran. Dr. Nolan was also preceded in death by Judith Childress Nolan. He graduated from Lorain High School where he was active on the football team. After graduation Dr. Nolan served in the Arm Forces after WWII stationed in France where he rose to the rank of lieutenant. After returning to the states he chose to pursue his dream of becoming a surgeon. Dr. Nolan graduated from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland Ohio where he received his doctor’s degree in the field of medical surgery. In 1960, he opened his first practice in the O. Halon Building in downtown Winston-Salem and was instrumental with other colleagues in starting Medical Park Hospital. Dr. Nolan later joined the staff of Forsyth Hospital where he was honored to be elected to serve as Chief of staff and Chief of Surgery. Once he was established in the medical field he and Dr. Keith Kooken opened their practice known as Salem Surgical of Winston-Salem. Dr. Nolan enjoyed serving the needs of the community until his retirement in 1994. Upon his retirement, Dr. Nolan spent most of his time on Beals Island in Jonesport Maine where he was active in community services and supported the local arts and library. Dr. Nolan traveled extensively to locations outside the United States. He was an avid outside sportsman with snow skiing with colleagues and friends as one of his greatest pleasures along with sipping his favorite red wine while relaxing and reading. A celebration of life for Dr. Nolan will be held on Sunday, September 10th at Messiah Moravian Church located in Winston Salem at 2 pm. Pastor Jerry Harris will be officiating the service with greetings of friends following. A sincere note of appreciation is extended to the staff at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Center for their exceptional love and care for Dr. Nolan and to Drs. Joel K. Deonanan, Bradly Thomason and Charles Stinson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Hanes. Thanks to Vogler & Sons Funeral Home in Clemmons for making the arrangements in care of Dr. Nolan.