Douglas Ira Hammer, M.D.

RALEIGH - Douglas Ira Hammer, M.D. died Friday, November 22, 2024, following a short bout with pneumonia. Doug was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Edelle Farber Hammer and Samuel Joseph Hammer. He attended high school in Linden, N.J. where he was class valedictorian and earned Eagle Scout status during this time.

Doug earned B.S. and M.D. degrees from Tufts University and a DrPH in Public Health/Epidemiology from Harvard University. He was board certified in Occupational Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine.

Following his medical degree, Doug became a Commissioned Officer of the US Public Health Service doing environmental impact research for the Clean Air Agency (EPA) out of Boston and later NC. He left the Public Health Service (as a Captain) for the opportunity to start the first Emergency Department at Rex Hospital which he ran for many years. Doug was also instrumental in establishing Wake County EMS at this time. After surviving lung cancer but having his right lung removed in 1992, Doug left the Emergency Department and became a partner in Blue Ridge Family Physicians. Concurrently, Doug was also Medical Director at Peace College, St Augustine’s College, Employee Health Services at Rex Hospital and Director of Health and Safety for Boy Scouts of America Occoneechee Council. BSA honors Doug earned included the Silver Beaver Award and the Order of the Arrow.

Doug is survived by his daughter, Molly Hammer Hemphill; former wife, Susan Edens Hammer; beloved partner, Susan E. Moore; and many cousins in New York and Florida. He was predeceased by his sister, Allyne Hammer.

Doug was brilliant, a true Renaissance Man with expertise in many areas, including classical music, opera, tennis, history, Spanish, the Bible, playing classical guitar and running -- he was proud of having run the Boston Marathon in 1969. He loved reading, exercise and travel -- especially to Wyoming and Montana. In his later years he also enjoyed crossword puzzles, John Wayne movies and spending time in the Finger Lakes of NY.

Doug had lifelong friends from all aspects of his life who appreciated his intellect, quick wit, sarcasm and kind, generous nature. He was universally loved by his patients and his many colleagues and will be greatly missed.

Doug was a generous man who gave to many charities. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lung Cancer Initiative of NC (5171 Glenwood Ave Suite 401, Raleigh, NC 27612 https://lungcancerinitiative.org) in Doug’s memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.

The family will receive friends and relatives at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Raleigh on Saturday, December 7, 2024, beginning at 1:00 PM with a memorial service immediately following at 2:00 PM in the chapel. Interment will take place in Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com