Dr. Thomas E Motley Sr., Obituary in Memphis at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home

Obituary For Dr. Thomas E Motley Sr.,

Dr. Thomas E Motley Sr., age 83, of Memphis, TN passed away on Wednesday January 11, 2023, unexpectedly at Methodist University Hospital at 10:15AM. Born in Whiteville, Tennessee on May 15, 1939, to the Late Robert and Elma Coleen Motley Owners of Motley and Rivers Funeral Home. Dr. Motley graduated from High School at the Palmer Memorial Institute located in Sedalia, North Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Howard University and Doctor of Medicine from Howard University College of Medicine. Dr. Motley was a board-certified internal medicine physician, had dedicated over 45 years of compassionate medical care and distinguished service to his community. After completing his Naval career Dr. Motley served the city of Memphis as its first African American Internal Medicine physician. Dr. Motley’s service was extensive. He served as medical director for Cardiac Rehabilitation and Department of Preventive Medicine and Methodist Healthcare Systems. He was Chief of Staff for Methodist Extended Care Hospital and was a founding partner of the Eastmoreland Internal Medicine Group. Dr. Motley also served as a consulting physician for St Francis Hospital and Baptist Memorial Hospital. In addition to his medical practice, Motley contributed to numerous medical research studies as a clinical science principal investigator. Over the course of his medical career, he had been an active member of numerous scientific and medical organizations including the National Medical Association, The American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, Association of Black Cardiologists, Bluff City Medical Society and Memphis and Shelby County Medical Society just to name a few. Dr. Motley was also highly devoted to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. He also belonged to multiple community organizations including but not limited to the Omega Psi Phi incorporated and the Memphis chapter of Delta Boule. Doctor Motley was a dedicated family man and was married to Sharon Motley at the time of his death. Doctor Motley and his late wife Comora C. Motley were the parents of the late Thomas E. Motley, Jr. M.D and Todd S. Motley, MD. He was the father-in-law of Ann-Marie Motley, MD and Vanessa Motley. He was the proud grandfather of Chelsie Motley, Madison Motley and Seth C. Motley. Dr. Motley was also the Stepfather to Marzk Jones (Mark).

The visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at R S Lewis & Sons Funeral Home, 2944 Walnut Grove, Memphis, Tennessee. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday at Church of the Holy Communion located at 4645 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, Tennessee 38117. Interment will follow at 2:30 PM in the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, Memphis, TN. In lieu of flowers, the Motley family will like donation sent to the Emanuel Center 604 Saint Paul Ave. Memphis TN 38126.

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I will remember Dr. Motley as a kind and loving Doctor. We shared the same Birthday Month (May) I would send him a card and s $2.00 Bill. He always acknowledged my gift with a nice Thank You note. You will be missed Claudean Clariette

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Doc Mot was is the last of the Awesome Foursome (+ 1) Dads to leave us. Too many memories from the Galveston Street den to mention. Suffice it to say, that Dr. Morley's passing signals the end of an era where none of us can pick up a phone or walk into a room and say, "Hey Dad....". Shelia E. Davis.

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Dr. Motley will forever be missed. His life was a blessing and I'll always remember his words of wisdom. Rest in peace. Love, Eileen

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We will miss our dear friend of many years,may all The Motleys accept our prayers & deepest sympathy at this difficult time..Chas.& Barb. Robinson Catonsville MD

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Thank you for all you did, friends made, and letting your mom "adopt" me into the Motley family. George Flinn

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Tom Motley was one of my best friends and we had great times together often. He an I shared life and friends together. Tom was instrumental in helping me start medical practice in the 1970's. I will never forget his friendship and influence.

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Our sincere condolences as we wrap our arms around Dr. Todd and Dr. Anne Marie, Madison, Seth and the Motley family. We love you and appreciate the lifelong friendships that we will always cherish. Dr. Thomas Motley, Sr. was a one of a kind giant! He was the ultimate professional and servant. May he Rest In Peace. The Westbrook Family. Jesse, Dorothy, Toikus, Tory, Jesyca and all of our love ones.

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I referred to my Father-in-law as Dad because he was just that. We had many conversations about trials and tribulations. I can remember a number of times I cried on is shoulder. My father-in-law was a kind soul, very devoted to his family and friends. I can remember when Obama made President, that was the first time I saw my dad cry. He hugged his son Dr Thomas Jr and me with tears of joy in his eyes. Be ever wonderful dad. I won't say good-bye, but I will say I'll see you later. You will be greatly missed. Love Vanessa

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Dr. Motley will be remembered for his dedication to his patients and his community! Rest in peace. 🙏🏽

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Thank You for your many years of service to the Memphis community.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN

Debra Carter Balfour sent Sweet Moments for Dr. Thomas E Motley Sr., - January 25, 2023

With Much Sympathy, Dexter and Debra Balfour

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