Dr. John Brown "J.B." Lynch

Dr. John Brown “J.B.” Lynch, age 85, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, October 20, 2014 at his home.

The family will visit with friends on Thursday, October 23, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee. A funeral service to celebrate Dr. Lynch’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. A private family burial will follow the funeral services.

Dr. Lynch was born on February 5, 1929 to the late John A. Lynch and Eloise Brown Lynch. J.B. grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee and attended Columbia Military Academy. J.B. continued his education at Vanderbilt University where he earned his undergraduate degree; he then attended The University of Tennessee at Memphis Medical School where he obtained his medical degree. After completing his education, J.B. served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He then moved to Galveston, Texas to complete his residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. Lynch became a pioneer in the medical specialty of plastic surgery during his years at UTMB. He developed a specialty in burn treatment and was instrumental in the establishment of the Shriners Burn Hospitals.

In 1973, Dr. Lynch became the Chairman of Plastic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Additionally, he served as Chief of the Head and Neck Services in the Vanderbilt University Affiliated Hospitals. Dr. Lynch was dedicated to advancing the medical field and over his years at Vanderbilt, he developed an excellent teaching program in addition to a residency. Dr. Lynch, along with his staff, provided coverage to the Plastic & Reconstructive Service at V.A. Hospital, the Metropolitan General Hospital, Baptist Hospital, and consultations to the Tennessee Department of Public Health’s Crippled Children’s Division. Dr. Lynch was also appointed as the Director of a 20-bed Burn Center in the early 1980’s.

Dr. Lynch was a leader in many professional organizations dedicated to the advancement of medicine and plastic surgery. He served as President of Singleton Surgical Society, President of the American Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, President of the Southern Medical Association, President of American Association of Plastic Surgery, and Director of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Lynch received numerous awards throughout his career including the 1987 Outstanding Alumnus at the University of Tennessee Medical School and was awarded an Honorary Citation of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

In addition to his career, Dr. Lynch loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He cherished his family and enjoyed the outdoors. His great joys of life were his family, church, career, hunting, fishing, and golfing.

Dr. Lynch is survived by his loving wife Mary Joyce Lynch; his children John B. Lynch Jr. (Missy) of Brentwood, Tennessee and Margaret Callihan (Matt) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; step-daughter Jennye Greene; grandchildren Courtney Wilbert (Frank), Lauren Lynch, Jean Callihan, Phil Callihan, Stephen Callihan (Melanie), Elizabeth Rashwan (Raghab), and Byron Greene; great-grandchildren Rhett and Cason Wilbert and Mary Rashwan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dr. Lynch was preceded in death by his parents John A. Lynch and Eloise Brown Lynch; first wife Jean Crane Lynch, and brother Sammy Lynch.

The pallbearers will be Ellis Bingham, Jerry Eatman, Billy Fleming, Jimmy Lavelle, Joe Lavelle, Marc McNamee, and Jimmy Rippey.

Honorary Pallbearers are the Fellowship Sunday School Class at Covenant Presbyterian Church and the physicians and staff at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Memorials may be made in honor of Dr. Lynch to Covenant Presbyterian Church, J.B. Lynch Endowment Fund at Vanderbilt University, and Camp Hope Children’s Burn Camp; or the charity of one’s choice.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.williamsfh.com .