Kaggal V. Umakantha

Dr. Kaggal V. Umakantha, MD, DABMA, age 65, of Johnson City, Tennessee died Sunday, February 1, 2009, at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. Born in Bellary, India, Dr. Umakantha lived a distinguished life of tireless dedication to family, friends and those in need, with a kind heart and warm smile. As Chief of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the VA Medical Center, and in other capacities as a world class doctor of physiatry, orthopedics, acupuncture, and pain medicine, Dr. Umakantha provided compassionate care to tens of thousands of patients worldwide. As a Colonel in the U. S. Air Force Reserves, Dr. Umakantha served for many years, including loyal service in two wars, treating military personnel during the U.S. Invasion of Grenada and Operation Desert Storm. Dr. Umakantha will be remembered for his love of family, his enthusiasm for life, his worldly perspective, and his deep spirituality. Dr. Umakantha is survived by his wife, Kamala Raj Umakantha, four brothers, four sisters, two sons, three daughters, 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family via www.morrisbaker.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 208 Sunset Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37604. Services for Dr. Umakantha will be conducted at Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, (423-282-1521) from 3 to 5 PM Thursday.