Dr. Roy James Renfro

Doctor Roy James Renfro, age 80, passed away suddenly into the loving arms of our Lord on Sunday, September 5, 2010. Born March 21, 1930 in Blaine, Tennessee, Dr. Renfro graduated from Rutledge High School, Rutledge, TN in 1948; graduated from Carson-Newman College in 1952; from the University of Tennessee-Memphis Medical School in 1956. His internship was completed at John Gaston Hospital Memphis, TN; and Residency at Nashville General Hospital in Surgery. He practiced general surgery and occupational medicine at the Renfro Clinic from 1961 until July 1995. He was a member of the National Academy of Medicine, American College of Surgeons, and Baptist Medical Dental Fellowship.Dr. Renfro was a devout Christian who loved the Lord God with all of his heart. He was a man of few words, but led his life by example and in God’s grace, in faithfulness to his family, friends, and church. He will be remembered as a man of his word and his unwavering faith. His loyalty and devotion to the ones he loved developed so many dear relationships during his lifetime. He will be sadly missed by so many who had the good fortune to have made his acquaintance.Roy served as a deacon of Woodmont Baptist Church and later at Forest Hills Baptist Church, where he was an active member of the Carlton Flatt Sunday School class. During his professional career and even into retirement, he served on numerous medical, evangelical, and constructive mission trips to many countries, including Africa, South America, and the US Gulf Coast. His latest trip was in March 2010, where he personally performed dozens of surgeries for the people of Ghana. His interests included woodworking, playing golf, riding motorcycles, supporting his grandchildren’s activities, and his beloved dogs “Auzzie” and “Dexter”.Preceded in death by his parents, James Garfield Renfro and Matilda Lawson Renfro; brother Horace Renfro; two grandchildren, Lindsay Miller and Madison Mays; and son-in-law Dr. Allen Mays. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carole Virginia Fishel Renfro, formerly of Arcola, IL; and six children: Rebecca Renfro (David) Miller of Madison, MS; Dr. R. James (Mitzi) Renfro of Brentwood, TN; Martin Lloyd (Susan) Renfro of Forest, VA; Drs. Tamara Renfro (Byrl) Criswell of Van Buren, AR; Rachel Renfro Mays (Ben) Roberts of Athens, GA; and Tiffany Renfro (Bill) Hyde of Franklin, TN. Dr. Renfro is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Matthew (Erin) Miller, Joshua Miller, Samuel Miller, Natalie (Mike) Morosi, Allison Renfro, Jay Renfro III, Nathan Renfro, Ryan Renfro, Kyle Renfro, Andrew Criswell, Benjamin Criswell, Lauren Criswell, Maxwell Criswell, Tabitha Mays, Caroline Hyde, and Clarke Hyde. Dr. Renfro is survived by brother Charles (Carolyn) Renfro of Blaine, TN; and in-laws Bob and Mary Allington of San Mateo, CA, and Jack and Lynda Fishel of Arcola, IL, and a multitude of nieces and nephews, and his very special and devoted companions, Auzzie and Dexter lovingly referred to as “the boys.”Visitation will be Tuesday, September 7 from 4-8:00pm at Forest Hills Baptist Church. Funeral will be Wednesday, September 8 at 11:00am at Forest Hills Baptist Church, with Dr. Sam Boyd and Dr. Jerry Winfield officiating. Visitation one hour preceding ceremony. Entombment will be to follow at Woodlawn Cross Mausoleum in a private ceremony. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, and honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters, Dr. Dewey Dunn, and the Carlton Flatt Sunday School class of Forest Hills Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nashville Humane Society, the Nashville Union Rescue Mission, and Room in the Inn program.