Dr. George Rooney
Dr. George Rooney, 64, Glasgow, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Born November 9, 1959 in Milwaukee, he was the son of the late Bernard and June Rooney.
Dr. Rooney began his professional education at Indiana University School of Optometry, followed by his Fellowship in Ocular Disease in New Orleans. He is the past Center Director of Azar Medivision Medical and Surgical Eye Center of New Orleans. Dr. Rooney’s certification includes the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and the International Association of Boards and Examiners in Optometry. He also attained the prestigious status of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.
Dr. Rooney was affiliated with many professional societies such as the Kentucky Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. He lectured extensively in the U.S. on ocular disease diagnosis and treatment. He held several adjunct Professorships with Colleges of Optometry for internship training. Dr. Rooney not only served on the board (previously President) of His Servants Ministries, he was also a very active participant. He would travel often to many countries including (but not limited to) El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, Thailand, and Laos. While there, he engaged in evangelism, teaching, and leading others to faith in Christ. As a further testament to his character, he selflessly provided free eye care to the people he encountered on his missionary journeys
For the past 33 years, Dr. Rooney has been actively associated with McPeak Vision Partners in Glasgow. He has also served on the Medical Executive Board at Eyecare Partners; has been an active volunteer at BRAWA; and was an active member of his church. He cherished his wife, daughter, co-workers and patients; not to mention his beloved dogs Blaky, Boris, and Marco.
Dr. Rooney is survived by his wife Lilly; his daughter Katherine Klein; and his parents-in-law, Ruth and Lawrence Doughty.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Patrick Rooney; and three canine companions: Tiffany, Willybear, and Willow.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday at the Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home with cremation to follow. The service will be live streamed on the Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home Facebook Page. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday and continue Friday until time for service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to His Servants Ministries, P O Box 461, Ferguson, KY 42533.
We are so saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Rooney. He has been my daughter and myself doctor for 25+ years. He was always so kind to us. We thought a lot of him. He will be missed. Our condolences to his family.
My heart is so saddened at Dr. George’s passing. He has treated me for many years and I knew him from church. His ministry trips won many to faith in the Lord Jesus. My entire family will be in prayer for his beloved wife and daughter. Dr. George will be missed terribly but we know he is safe with the Lord he loved.
I have known George for well over 30 years and had the pleasure of serving with him on mission trips. He was and is a great example for all. He truly laid up treasures in Heaven. Greatly he will be missed.
My deepest condolences to George’s family, friends and co-workers and all who loved him. I first met George through our Kentucky Optometric Association where we often shared a table at education and lunch events at the annual meetings. We have shared patients over the years and George was always caring and concerned. It has been my privilege to know and work with him these many years. Most of all it has been my honor to know him as a brother in Christ and know that we will meet again.
Am so sorry to of George’s passing. He was a fellow graduate Class of 1986 at Indiana University School of Optometry. He and I were part of only a handful of IU grads to settle in KY. Loved seeing him every year at the KOA In Louisville and Lexington. He was a terrific doctor, kind friend, and truly an example of how to live. He is greatly missed.
My thoughts are with George’s family at this time. I always enjoyed talking, catching up and asking for advice with George at the annual Optometric association meeting over the past 30 plus years . I will miss my friend.
My condolences. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.
Prayers to his family and may God bless you in the days and years ahead. He was such a great Christian man that was caring, although my eye Dr he was a friend as we met years ago at Glasgow Baptist singles group. The group had lots of social activities that were great memories. He will never be forgotten. A great loss to the medical field and our community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family such a wonderful eye doctor fly high rommey
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Rooney’s. family and coworkers. I have been a patient of his for many years. He clearly explained relevant issues to me, researched my questions and personally called me back more than once with a well reasoned /researched explanation . Truly a man of service and integrity.
Dr.Rooney was my doctor for 32 years and I Really will miss him he was a great person and I wish his family all my condolences he saw me every 3 months due to my Hydrocephalus and fluid build upmaking sure it didn’t affect my vision he will truly be missed he was like family to me.
Lily and Kathy: Wishing I could be with you during this time, however health problems are keeping me from physically being there. Dr Rooney was such a kind and compassionate doctor and I enjoyed talking to him about you two when I saw him. Always felt like we were family when I first met and have lots of good memories. Prayers and love and I know God will have his loving arms around you both. Remember I’m better known as Miss Martha, Brayden’s “MarMar”.
My heart is shattered for Dr Rooney, his family, friends and patients. My family will be eternally grateful to him for saving my then 8 year old daughters vision. He was a gift from the heavens and we will miss seeing him. All the family and friends will always remain in my thoughts. Dr rooney will remain in our hearts forever.
My heart was shattered when I heard of Dr. Rooney’s passing. He had a passion for mission work and helping others. Sure he has brought many to the Lord through his travels and mission work.
May the Lord comfort and care for Lilly and his daughter.
George was still a young person and a pleasure to speak with. His passing will create a void in the community and as an optometrist.