In Loving Memory of Dr. Paul Swicegood McCubbins: A Physician Who Embraced the Beauty of Mountains, Beaches, Pets, and Family.

Dr. Paul Swicegood McCubbins, aged 90, of Blowing Rock, NC, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on January 24, 2024. He was born on September 23, 1933, at Rowan Regional Hospital in Salisbury, NC, to the late Benjamin David and Sara Swicegood McCubbins. His early years were marked by the profound loss of his father at a tender age, leaving him to be raised by his mother and other caring family members.

Paul graduated from Boyden High School (Salisbury, NC), excelling in football and studies. His academic journey then took him to UNC at Chapel Hill (1954), where he became a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. During his college years, a devastating tragedy struck when he lost his mother in a plane crash.

His pursuit of knowledge led him to UNC School of Medicine (1958) with postgraduate study at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. Paul's journey to become a physician was marked by resilience and a deep-seated passion for helping others. In 1962, he completed his residency program in Augusta, where he met his wife, Carol, and set the stage for a lifelong commitment to the field of Internal Medicine.

They moved to Salisbury, NC, where he founded Rowan Diagnostic Clinic with the late Dr. Roy Agner, Jr. Paul contributed significantly to the medical field throughout his career, spanning 32 years. He pioneered groundbreaking procedures, such as installing the first pacemaker in Rowan County and introducing peritoneal dialysis. He also played a pivotal role in setting up the Coronary Care and Intensive Care Units at Rowan Memorial Hospital, now Novant Health Medical Center.

Beyond his medical achievements, Paul sincerely appreciated the arts, as seen in his passion for watercolors. He was a compassionate caregiver to his patients and the many dogs and cats that found a loving home with him. Paul found his bliss in the embrace of nature, particularly the mountains and the beach. His cherished homes in Blowing Rock and Holden Beach, NC, provided the backdrop for treasured moments with loved ones and his artwork.

Paul leaves behind a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carol A. McCubbins; his son, Paul S. McCubbins, Jr. (Jeannine ) of Durham, NC; granddaughter, Sarah Green (Jason Phillips) of Durham, NC; his daughter, Michele McCubbins (Fred Martin) of Butler, TN; step-grandchildren Justin, Hunter, and Addison Martin; his daughter, Kathy McCubbins Jones of Marietta, GA; grandsons Forest, Slate, and Holden Jones; his brother, the late Benjamin D. McCubbins II (Jean) of Salisbury, NC; his late father and mother-in-law, Jack, and Miranda Baumgartner of St. Simons Island, GA; his sister-in-law, Jackie Walker of Grand Junction, CO, and late husband, John "Doak" Walker; nieces Sara Jean McCubbins (Phil Maness) of Salisbury, NC, Susan Walker (John Harris) and daughters Petra and Lydia of Grand Junction, CO; nephews, the late Benjamin D. McCubbins III and the late John Walker (Leah) and their daughter Ellie of Scottsdale, AZ. and his cousin Rosemary Bradshaw (Nelson) of Spencer, NC. The family wishes to thank Chris McCracken, MD, Anthony Schlake, MD, and the Medi Home Health & Hospice (Boone) private care team, especially Andy Benoit, Chelsea Norwood, and Amanda Shore, for their support. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to family, friends, and caregivers who provided unwavering strength and love throughout their journey.

A celebration of life will be scheduled later. Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Medi Home Health & Hospice (Boone, NC), Grace Lutheran Church (Boone, NC), St. John's Lutheran Church (Salisbury, NC), The Alzheimer's Association or their charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.