3/22/1931-01/31/2025
Dr. Walter Puckett, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025 at his home on Signal Mountain, Tennessee, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 22, 1931, in Birmingham, Alabama the son of the late Sara and Walter Puckett.
Dr. Puckett’s life was marked by dedication, compassion, and a profound impact on those who knew him. He graduated from Vanderbilt Medical School. He served in the Navy as a doctor in the Underwater Demolition Team now known as the Navy SEALs. Following his military service, he returned to Vanderbilt to do a 2 year Cardiology Fellowship, and then completed his residency at Johns Hopkins. After which he taught at the University of Florida Medical School before joining the late Dr. Fred Ballard in the Cardiology and Internal Medicine practice in Chattanooga in January of 1963.
His family was very touched by recent posts in an Erlanger hospital employee page on Facebook. The word “legend” was often used to describe him and his career. Their descriptions during his morning rounds at the hospital, of his intimidating presence (for those new to working with him), his fierce advocacy of his patients, and his sense of humor were beautiful to read.
Throughout his career, Dr. Puckett received many accolades including receiving the first Distinguished Physician Award from the Baroness Foundation in 2004. He was known for his advocacy work for the less fortunate and his love of teaching residents from the University of Tennessee School of Medicine. He was proud of his Champions of Health Care Volunteer Award in 2016 for his work as the first medical director for Project Access, an organization that has provided free health care for thousands in the Chattanooga area.
Dr. Puckett was also an avid outdoorsman. He became an expert in whitewater canoeing, snow skiing, sporting clays, and glider piloting. He developed a deep love for fly fishing, which took him all the way from Alaska to Argentina. In his later years, he doggedly kept his daily routine of daily walks outside, especially enjoying the Chickamauga Dam footpaths on the Riverwalk and seeing his “dam friends”.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, his sons, John (Kim) and Bill, his cherished granddaughters, Chapel and Carter, and his dog, Roscoe. Linda and Walter were married for 63 years, providing an example to all of us of what a marriage should be.
Dr. Puckett was a member of Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church where a private family service will be held. Later there will be a family and friends reception at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club on March 15, 2015 at 5 PM to visit and tell stories and celebrate Dr. Puckett’s life.
Memorial contributions may be made to Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church, CHATT Foundation, Humane Educational Society or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Center of Chattanooga 1345 Hickory Valley Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421. 423-525-9358