William Edwin Foster

Dr. William Edwin Foster died peacefully at home on June 17, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born April 30, 1935, in Cleveland, TN., to William Hiram and Ivie Bell (Batson) Foster, but grew up in Clarksville, TN. Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, his dearly loved only sister, Rebecca and her husband Frank Miller and their two sons, Johnny Miller and Mark Miller, all of Clarksville, TN. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife Jane; his beloved children, Eddie and Gordon (Kathy) Foster of Knoxville, TN., Beth McGivney of Alcoa, TN., and John King (Nicole) of Johnson City, TN. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Hannah Foster of CA., Taylor Foster, Hayden Foster and Dean Foster all of Knoxville, Jacob and Lucas Testament. Cavan and Jack McGivney of Alcoa, TN., and Greyson and Nicholas King of Johnson City, TN. Two great grandchildren, Ashton and Madison Foster-Koontz of CA. A nephew, Frank Miller (Sarah) of Dover, TN., and a niece, Ann Miller Moore of Clarksville, TN. Dr. Foster was a graduate of the University of Tennessee School of Medicine in Memphis, TN. He served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army from June,1967 until July 1974, with a tour in Vietnam as a general medical officer. During his tour of Vietnam, he was the recipient of the Bronze Star for meritorious service, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After discharge from the Army, he returned to Knoxville to begin his orthopedic residency at U.T. Hospital. Following residency, he began a nearly 40-year practice with Blount Orthopedics, serving Knoxville and surrounding areas. Edwin loved golf, and prior to illness, he played a number of famous courses in the U.S. and Europe, but was most at home playing Fox Den, where he was a long-time member. After retirement, he became a “carpenter” where he singlehandedly built an outdoor kitchen on our back deck. Having never handled leaded glass, he then proceeded to make leaded glass windows for our home, which are beautiful. And everyone knows how delicious his barbecue brisket, ribs, and chicken were, especially with his homemade special sauce. Thank you to our special family members, my sister Leesa and her husband Josh Fisher for the many hours they have spent caring for Edwin and me. A special thanks to Trenton, Marie, India, Melissa, and Amanda of Tennova Hospice for the excellent care of Edwin and the loving support to our family during his illness. Also, we are very grateful to the Veterans Benefits Community Cares for the support and care of Edwin during his illness over the past four years. Funeral service is scheduled for 2 PM, July 6, 2021, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Governor John Sevier Hwy., Knoxville, TN, 37920. Following the ceremony, friends may visit the home for a reception and celebration of a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Edwin’s name to your favorite charity.