Nashville has lost one of its revered city leaders and a pioneer in the healthcare industry. R. Clayton McWhorter passed away Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 at the age of 82.

The founder and chairman emeritus of Clayton Associates, McWhorter was the former founder, chairman and CEO of HealthTrust and an integral part of the executive leadership of Hospital Corporation of America. He retired from HCA in 1996 as chairman but didn’t step away from the industry he loved. Instead, McWhorter brought his wealth of healthcare expertise to bear on a new firm, Clayton Associates, to fill the need of investing in innovative healthcare ventures and advising the entrepreneurs seeking to improve the industry.

McWhorter began his healthcare career as a pharmacist after taking pre-pharmacy courses at the University of Tennessee and earning his bachelor’s degree from Samford University. Recognizing he could broaden his impact on patients by moving into the business side of the industry, McWhorter became a hospital administrator. Working his way through the ranks at HCA, he rose to president and chief operating officer of the hospital giant. He then formed HealthTrust Inc., where he served as chairman, president and chief executive officer until the company merged with Columbia/HCA in 1995. After his stint as HCA chairman, McWhorter continued to serve on the corporate board until 2000.

After the formation of Clayton Associates, McWhorter went on to found PharmMD a decade later to honor the vision of his late brother, Fred, who spent more than 50 years as a pharmacist. McWhorter served on the board of PharmMD and as a member of the Harpeth Capital Advisory board until the time of his death.

In the spirit of helping others bring innovative healthcare ideas to life, McWhorter was instrumental in the launch of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and served as the organization’s first chairman. His son, Stuart, was named CEO of the EC when founding president and CEO Michael Burcham left to launch a new healthcare firm last year.

McWhorter was as noted for his philanthropic spirit as his business acumen. He and his family have greatly contributed to education with the creation of the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University and by funding of a number of projects at Belmont University including McWhorter Hall and the establishment of the McWhorter Society, which provides a funding mechanism to further the university’s health science programs.

His community involvement also extended to work with organizations including the American Cancer Society, YWCA, United Way, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

A founding member of the Nashville Health Care Council, McWhorter’s impact on the national healthcare landscape was recognized this past October as one of eight inaugural inductees into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame. McWhorter was a passionate mentor and lent his expertise to numerous leaders in the healthcare industry. He leaves a legacy that not only shaped the business of healthcare in Nashville but also served as a gracious example of how that business should be conducted.

Upon learning of his death, U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said, “Clayton’s impact on the business, civic and political landscape of Nashville and Tennessee will be felt for decades. I first met Clayton in the ‘90s when I was commissioner of finance, and through his personal perseverance, he worked to ensure Hospital Corporation of America’s headquarters would remain in Nashville. While his professional impact was large, his personal encouragement to so many will be what those who knew him well will miss the most. He was a true friend and mentor to so many people. I will miss him greatly, and my heart and prayers go out to Michelle and his entire family as they celebrate his life.”