Obituary of L. Robert Clough

Lewis Robert Clough, M.D., of Salem, died on Sunday, August 12, 2012. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his daughters, Catherine A. Clough of Richmond, and Robin C. Powell and husband, Chris, and two granddaughters - Jessica Powell and Lindsey Powell, all of Roanoke, He is also survived by his very close personal friend, Kay P. Selman of Roanoke. Dr. Clough was born in Tampa, Fla., the only child of Howard L. and Antionetta Aquino Clough. He traveled extensively throughout the United States during his childhood due to his father's occupation as a civil engineer. He graduated from high school in Memphis, Tenn. and served two years in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He completed his pre-medical education at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He graduated from the University Of Tennessee School Of Medicine in 1953 and completed his internship at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in 1954. He pursued further training in general surgery at Baltimore City Hospital and the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta, Ga., completing that program in 1959. He married Carol Ann Purcell in 1956 just prior to their move to Augusta where she pursued her career in nursing. Carol preceded him in death. He returned to Roanoke in 1960 and began his practice in general surgery. He was in practice from 1960 until 1983, at which time he closed his office and became a physician employee of Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He served in that capacity until 1990, at which time he retired from the practice of medicine. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, member of the Southeastern Surgical Congress, Virginia Surgical Society, Medical College of Virginia, and the Roanoke Academy of Medicine. He was a Free Mason. Special appreciation is given to Dr. James Bailey, Dr. Allen Blackwood and Dr. Gary Swank. There will be no funeral home visitation. There will be a brief grave-side service at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, VA on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 2:00pm. With Chaplain Lisa Meyer officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations for Dr. Clough may be made to the charity of your choice. Friends may send their condolences to the family at www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements handled by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, 366-0707.