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Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation

About Dr. Robert F. Thomas

Dr. Robert F. Thomas came to Sevier County in 1926 to serve in the dual role of minister and family physician. He quickly earned the respect of the people whose bodies and souls he tended. Traveling the rugged terrain by foot, jeep, and horseback, “the Doc” made as many as 1,000 house calls each year.

Solid as the mountains around him, Dr. Thomas loved the rich heritage of the Smokies and admired the integrity and pride of its people. He worked long hours to improve the inadequate medical services and health facilities he encountered upon his arrival in Sevier County.

Dr. Thomas established clinics, immunized hundreds of adults and children, set broken bones, and delivered countless babies. His patients received the medical care they needed without having to travel long distances away from their homes and their loved ones.

Named in his honor

The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization established in 1983 to support the health care needs of Sevier County. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors that serves without compensation. Dolly Parton, one of the many babies Dr. Thomas delivered, serves as honorary chairperson. The Foundation depends on donations and grants from individuals, businesses, and charitable foundations to achieve its goal of helping LeConte Medical Center provide excellent health care to those who live, work and visit Sevier County.

black and white photo of Dr. Robert F. Thomas

The Foundation performs many key functions necessary to its continued success:

  • Soliciting monetary and in-kind contributions from individuals, corporations, and other foundations.
  • Managing the investment of charitable donations.
  • Acknowledging and cultivating donors.
  • Organizing special events to support various funds and programs.
  • Applying for grants from other foundations and/or corporations.
  • Provide substantial financial support to LeConte Medical Center for equipment, new construction, patient care and community service programs.
  • Educating the community about the Foundation and LeConte Medical Center facilities and programs.

The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation hosted it’s inaugural Smoke on the Mountain Sporting Clays tournament to benefit the healthcare programs and services of LeConte Medical Center on Friday, February 16, 2024. Proceeds from this event allow the foundation to support continuing professional education, program development, and medical equipment needs at the hospital.

The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation’s annual Smoke on the Mountain Golf Tournament to benefit the healthcare programs and services of LeConte Medical Center is set for Monday, July 15, 2024. Proceeds from this event allow the foundation to support continuing professional education, program development, and medical equipment needs at the hospital.

Our mission is two-fold: First, Paint the Mountains Pink will spread the word about the importance of mammography and early detection, and help educate our community that mammograms truly save lives. Second, Paint the Mountains Pink will help provide mammograms to those in Sevier County who cannot afford them.

Memorials and Honorariums

The special programs and services of LeConte Medical Center  are supported in part by the financial and in-kind contributions received from members of our community. If you would like to make a gift in honor or memory of a loved one, you may donate online using this link. For more information on how your donations can help, please contact the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation at 865-446-9627.

Planned Gifts

Some individuals may wish to provide substantial gifts to support the hospital and its important service in our community. There are many ways to make such gifts. One of the most common is a bequest – include the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation in your will. Other ideas include charitable trusts, gift annuities, pooled income fund, donations of real property and many other options.

The staff of the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation is available to provide more information on these and other gift options. Please contact us at 865-446-9627 with any questions or for additional information on how your contributions can help LeConte Medical Center

To send contributions by mail, please use the following address:

Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation

740 Middle Creek Road, Ste. 214

Sevierville, TN 37862

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We are committed to improving the quality of life in East Tennessee through better health. In partnership with our generous donors, Covenant’s 10,000+ employees, physicians, and volunteers are providing the very best care for our patients and their families.

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