Dr Joel T Hargrove

Dr. Joel T Hargrove, 80, retired physician, passed peacefully at his home on August 15, 2017, with his family present. Visitation with the family will take place at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia, TN on Thursday, August 17, from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. A private graveside service will follow on Friday, August 18, at St. John's Churchyard, Ashwood, with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born August 23, 1936, in Pickwick, Tennessee, Dr. Hargrove was the son of the late T Allbritton Hargrove, a Methodist minister, and the late Oral Christine Cummings Hargrove. Dr. Hargrove was a 1954 graduate of Waverly High School and went on to acquire a Bachelor of Science degree from Austin Peay State University in 1957. In 1960, he received his M.D. from the University of Tennessee, Memphis. In 1961, Dr. Hargrove enlisted in the U. S. Army and served in the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY, as Captain of the Medical Corps. He received an honorable discharge in 1968. Dr. Hargrove began his career in private practice in Columbia in 1966, specializing in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He delivered thousands of babies within the four surrounding counties in the following years. Many women were able to achieve their goal of motherhood through his focused research on infertility. Maury Regional Hospital named Dr. Hargrove Chief of Staff in 1970. During the late 1970's and 1980's, Dr. Hargrove's extensive private research brought recognition from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he joined the Obstetrics & Gynecology faculty and went on to become a full Clinical Professor while continuing his practice. Throughout his career, Dr. Hargrove was published in over fifty medical journals and was recognized by his peers as a pioneer and expert in the field of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement. Countless medical professionals across the United States and beyond have recognized his work within their own publications. Dr. Hargrove retired to his tree farm in 2016 where he lived out his final days in peace and serenity, surrounded by his family and beloved beagles. Survivors include his wife of forty-five years, Judge Stella Hargrove, as well as his six children: Deborah Hargrove, Ladonna (Mark) McMillan, Pamela (Dale) Bryant, Samuel (Amy) Hargrove, Chris (Clay) Staley, Sarah Hargrove; his nine grandchildren: Audrey Bryant, Rachel Bryant, Nicholas (Lanie) McMillan, Graham McMillan, Hannah (Ben) Kelley, Daniel Bryant, Nathaniel Hargrove, Britton Staley, Conrad Staley; three great grandchildren, Jackson McMillan, Lillie Jean McMillan, Sawyer McMillan; his only sister, Sue (Tom) Arnold; and his niece, Allison (Carter) Cardwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Hargrove's office staff, his medical colleagues, and his loyal patients. The family would like to extend their heart-felt gratitude to Dr. Lucy Ledbetter, Dr. Gibran Naddy, Dr. Thomas Dake, Caring Hearts, and Hospice Compassus. Dr. Hargrove's family requests that memorials be made to The University of Tennessee School of Medicine, c/o UT Health Science Center, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs, 62 South Dunlap, Suite 500, Hyman Building, Memphis, TN 38163 or Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Gift and Donor Services, PMB 407727, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240-7727.