Ira Lawrence Hemmings Jr.

Dr. Ira Lawrence (Larry) Hemmings passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 in Cary, NC. Larry was born on July 14, 1936 to his parents Rev. Ira L. Hemmings and Macel Hemmings in Belle, WV. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Ann Lee Hammack. He was a beloved husband to his wife of 66 years, Frances Snyder Hemmings, and a loving father to his four children, Terry Hemmings of Nashville, TN, Kelly Weaver (Jason) of Cary, NC, Dr. David Hemmings (Diane) of Peachtree City, GA and Christa Valentine of Charlotte, NC. He was also a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren. He was a cherished member of his community.

Larry graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1954 and continued his education at Virginia Tech on a basketball scholarship, graduating in 1958. He then was in the first class to graduate from the West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1962. His commitment to service was evident early in his career as he joined the United States Navy serving as a Lieutenant Commander and completing internship and residencies at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland and the US Naval Hospital in Pensacola, FL. From there he earned his degree in Pediatric Allergy at the University of Virginia.

In 1970 Larry and his family moved to Lexington, KY where he began his esteemed medical career. He worked tirelessly in this role until his retirement in 2006, also serving as a clinical instructor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Throughout his career, Larry was involved in numerous medical societies including the Lexington Medical Society, the Kentucky Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Southeast Allergy Association.

Aside from his professional life, Larry was deeply involved in his community. He attended Centenary United Methodist Church in Lexington and was a longtime member of the Fidelis Class and later attended the Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church in Cary. His hobbies included playing golf and basketball with the Y’s Men. He was an avid fan of the Kentucky Wildcats. He volunteered at various organizations such as Nathaniel Mission and the Ronald McDonald House in Lexington.

A celebration of life will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church Chapel in Lexington, KY with Visitation from 11-12 followed by a Service 12-1:00 on Saturday, July 27, 2024 . In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Lexington or the Kentucky United Methodist Home in Versailles, organizations that were close to his heart. Larry will be remembered as a hardworking, humble, and kind gentleman who dedicated his life to his faith, his family and his community.