Patrick J. Savage M.D.

Patrick J. (Pat) Savage, M.D., 68, died unexpectedly on November 9, 2017 at his home in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Dr. Savage will be remembered lovingly as a man whose heart was too big to be measured by modern science. He loved making others laugh and generously gave of himself to lift others up. His heart bore the troubles of the world so deeply, beyond the capabilities of most men.

Dr. Savage was born on January 21, 1949 in Detroit, MI, the second son of Colonel (US Air Force, Retired) George and Betty (Sullivan) Savage. He actually received two high school diplomas, one from Paris American High School (Paris, France) and Vanden High School, Fairfield, California. He then went on to receive his Bachelors Degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Dr. Savage was commissioned as a U.S. Air Force officer during his first year in medical school and completed his internship, residency and fellowship in pulmonary medicine while in the Air Force. He served honorably for many years in the Air Force, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and earning the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. After his Air Force service, Dr. Savage practiced pulmonary medicine in Houston, Texas for a short time before being asked to join a NEA medical clinic as a Pulmonary Doctor in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He joined staffs at the Northeast Arkansas Hospital and St. Bernard’s Medical Center as a Pulmonologist and Pulmonary Critical Care Physician.

During his medical career, Dr. Savage received numerous awards. He was elected to membership in the American Thoracic Society; he was designated a Certified Medical Review Officer by the Medical Review Officer Certification Council; and he was recognized as one of “The Best Doctors in Arkansas, Pulmonologist” in 1997. For his honorable service in the United States Armed Services, he was certified for membership in the American Legion.

Dr. Savage was preceded in death by his son, Patrick J. Savage II, his parents and his younger brother, Timothy G. Savage. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Baker) Savage; children, Alycia Savage Alvarez and Caitlin Savage; grandchildren, Andrew and Gabriela Alvarez; siblings, Michael Savage (Martha), Joan Taylor Long (Jere), James Savage (Donna), and sister-in-law, Debra Savage; and many nieces and nephews.

Public visitation will be on Monday, November 13, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Emerson Funeral Home, 1629 E Nettleton, Jonesboro, Arkansas, with Service to follow at 2:00 pm with Brother Emil Williams officiating. Alycia Savage Alvarez, Caitlin Savage, Michael J. Savage, Matthew Taylor, Andrew Alvarez, and Gabriela Alvarez will serve as Pall Bearers. Honorary Pall Bearers are Buck Savage, J.D. Savage, Ben Savage, and Greg Horejs. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to either Lucie’s Place (Little Rock, Arkansas) or Susan G. Komen – Ozark Affiliate (Springdale, Arkansas).

Burial will be private.