Last Updated on March 19, 2023 12:47 pm
A long-time local dentist and community leader has passed.
Dr. Robert “Lee” Warren, age 79, passed away on Friday, according to Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
A native of Watauga County, Dr. Warren began practice in 1972 after graduating from the Adams School of Dentistry at UNC. Dr. Warren was also known for his community involvement which included serving on the Appalachian State University Chancellor's Committee from 1982-1992, being elected to the Watauga County Board of Education for 16 years (1998-2014) serving for eight years as Chair or Vice Chair, and served on the Watauga Committee of 100 for 10 years.
A celebration of Dr. Warren's life will be held on Saturday, March 25 at Liberty Grove Baptist Church (3289 Liberty Grove Church Rd, Fleetwood, NC). Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and the Celebration of Life service will follow.
Obituary courtesy of Austin & Barnes Funeral Home
The world lost a true gentleman, renowned dentist, beloved husband, and loving father on March 17, 2023. Dr. Robert Lee Warren “Lee” was born on July 20, 1943 and remained in Watauga County for 79 years where he lived a full life dedicated to his family, community, and dentistry.
Dr. Warren was a legend in dentistry for 47 years. He opened his general practice doors in 1972 and dedicated his life to providing high-quality care to the people of Boone and surrounding communities. Dr. Warren's professional accomplishments are numerous. He served as an adjunct faculty member at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry for 25 years, served on the Board of Directors of the Dental Alumni Association, and as Grand Master of the Graduate Chapter of Delta Sigma Delta. He was a proud alumnus of the Pankey Institute, a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, and a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Warren was also a founding member and past president of the Tar Heel Dental Study Club and held membership with several dental organizations. It is noteworthy to mention his 2018 Dental Alumni Association Distinguish Service Award for his service to the dental profession. He donated time charitably to UNC and UNC Adams School of Dentistry, a place that gave him so much throughout the years.
Not only did Dr. Warren have a renowned professional life, he also served his community with pride. He served on the Appalachian State University Chancellor's Committee from 1982-1992 and was elected to the Watauga County Board of Education for 16 years from 1998-2014 where he served as Chair or Vice Chair for eight years. Dr. Warren also served on the Watauga Committee of 100 for 10 years. Left with years of special memories are his beloved wife, Deborah Andrews Warren of Boone; children Dr. Blaire Warren Gordon (Grayson) of Boone, Debin Lea Warren of Durham, and Dr. Robert Lee Warren, II of Boone; sister Jean Warren Wilson of Abingdon, VA; nephews Barry Len Warren (Becky) of Holly Springs, Larry Dean Warren of Boone, and Joe Wilson (Gwen) of Abingdon, VA. He is survived by other family and friends, too numerous to list but not forgotten.
Dr. Warren is now reunited with his parents, John Floyd, Maude Roark Warren and brother, Howard Len Warren, and his best “furry friend” Ava.
A celebration of Dr. Warren's life will be held on Saturday, March 25 at Liberty Grove Baptist Church (3289 Liberty Grove Church Rd, Fleetwood, NC). Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and the Celebration of Life service will follow.
Our family asks in lieu of flowers and meals you consider donating to the Forest Grove Cemetery Fund, PO Box 40, Vilas, NC 28692 or the Dr. R. Lee Warren Scholarship Fund at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. Checks can be made out to ‘Dental Foundation of North Carolina-Warren Scholarship' and mailed to: DFNC UNC Adams School of Dentistry 1090 First Dental Building Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7450
Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Warren family.
