When Norman Rone was deciding which field he would pursue in medicine, he did some simple math. Having kids and a wife, Rone decided the eight years to become an optometrist was going to give him more time spend with his family than pursuing a decade-plus of education for other professions.
McMinnville has to be grateful Rone chose to be an eye doctor. Many showed their appreciation last week when Eye Center of Tennessee held a retirement party for the longtime optometrist.
Rone was honored for 60 years of service, the last five years coming at Eye Centers of Tennessee after his retired from his own practice in 2019.
“Sixty years of saying, ‘What is best – one or two,’ that’s answering the call,” said Eye Centers of Tennessee CEO Ray Mays, who made the trip to the local office for Rone’s retirement party. “We’ve all really enjoyed being a part of his life.”
Rone, who has a long history in local politics, including four terms as McMinnville mayor, spent the party reminiscing with family, friends and many patients who have been under his watchful eye for decades. His longevity in the job led Rone to joke about how there were “parents, kids and probably grandkids,” who have been through his office over the years at the retirement party.
Still, it was always a labor of love and something he never regretted after the making the choice to focus his studies on optometry back in the 1960s.
“After I earned a lot of my credits in the armed forces, finished at UT and went to Memphis, my main thing when deciding on eyes was knowing I had three young children and eight years (of studies) was less than the 12-15 years in other programs,” recalled Rone. “Also, the study and job appealed to me. It felt like a good move and I seemed to fit into it pretty well.”
During all his studies over the years at the University of Tennessee, in the Air Force and, ultimately, at Southern College of Optometry, Rone also was very interested in psychology. It was part of his job work when he was in active duty working in the US Air Force Medical Corps helping people returning from Korea and vets from World War II.
Rone knows he has almost enough credits to having a masters in psychology, but don’t expect him to make another return into the work force anytime soon.
“I’m going to spend some time enjoying my life, my family and the time I have,” said Rone, who is nearly inseparable from his wife and childhood sweetheart Elizabeth Rone (they celebrated their 69th anniversary last December). Rone also has two daughters, a son-in-law and three grandkids who live in the area.
Retirement may not keep Rone from making visits to some offices though. He’s the owner of WCPI 91.3 FM, the local public radio station, and plans on spending a some of his newfound free time to get more involved in the station.
Even when he’s retired, Rone always finds a way to connect with his community.
