Dr. Christopher Wiltcher

Christopher Alex Wiltcher, M.D.

With deep sorrow, we announce that Christopher Alex Wiltcher, M.D. passed away in an unavoidable tragic accident. When his private plane engine failed, Chris directed his aircraft away from a populated area in an effort to land safely.

Dr. Chris was born on February 5, 1960. He was a graduate of the Webb School of Knoxville.He received two degrees from the University of Tennessee before proceeding to the East Tennessee State University, Quillen College of Medicine, where he received his medical degree in 1991. He completed his residency in Obstetrics/ Gynecology at the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, VA. He was Board Certified in his specialty. He retired from private practice but still maintained a locum tenens practice in several areas of the country. He practiced medicine for over thirty years. He was a former member of the teaching staff at the Medical College at ETSU.

Dr. Chris is survived by his parents, Patsy S. and James R. Wiltcher, his sister, Linda (Todd) W. Hunley of Gallatin, TN, his sister, Becky (Craig) W. Rohde of Virginia Beach, VA, and his brother, Bobby (Kelli) Wiltcher, of Knoxville. In addition, he leaves nieces, Amanda Hunley of Gallatin, TN, Katie Hunley also of Gallatin, TN, and Amy Hunley of Atlanta, GA, niece, Bekah (Bryan) Fowler and her children, Will, Leland, and Rosie of Virginia Beach, VA, a nephew, Chris (Liz) Rohde, of Richmond, VA.

The family has received thoughts and prayers from all areas of the country where Chris has practiced. These were from friends, colleagues, and nurses who praised Dr. Chris for his loving kindness, his generosity, and the competence he showed to his patients. He was loved and will always be loved by all.

Dr. Chris had been flying since he was 15 years old. He was instrument rated and had many, many hours of flying time. He loved to fly and to be with his many fellow pilots. He was an avid sports fan who supported both the Vols and the Titans. A highlight for Chris each year was going to Talladega with his friends.

Chris so enjoyed traveling. He had already planned to travel to Mexico, London, and Australia/New Zealand in the next few months. Chris made his first trip to New Zealand with his family in 1973 and New Zealand became a regular trip for Chris and his dad. He always knew where to find the best fish and chips. Oh, how he loved that.

Chris' last words to the flight controller when he knew what was about to happen were, "Tell my family I love them."

We love you so much, Chris. God blessed you on this Earth and now he has welcomed you home.

At this time the Memorial Service plans have not been finalized by the family. In lieu of flowers, any gifts may be made in the memory of Dr. Chris Wiltcher to Quillen School of Medicine at East Tennessee State University.