Prewitt Semmes Jr.

Prewitt Semmes Jr.

Prewitt Semmes Jr. of Cismont, died peacefully at the University of Virginia Medical Center on Monday, December 27, 2010, after a long illness.

He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Faith Cameron Semmes, who died last June.

Mr. Semmes is survived by his wife of 55 years, Virginia Scripps Semmes; his daughter, Virginia Semmes Craven, of Miami, Florida; and two sons, John Ridgely Gardner and William Edmund Scripps Gardner of Palm Coast, Florida and Annapolis, Maryland respectively; his grandchildren are Cameron Semmes Stoll, Christopher Semmes Craven, James Stanton Craven II, William Edmund Scripps Gardner Jr., Elizabeth Scripps Gardner and Lindsey Ann Gardner.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Semmes were born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Prewitt Semmes Jr. was a respected and beloved member of the Charlottesville community for more than 40 years. He attended the University of Virginia, graduating in 1950. He returned to Charlottesville in 1962 and raised his family in Cismont where he and his wife have since lived.

Mr. Semmes is most recently remembered for his contributions to the University of Virginia Medical Center. He served as the Executive Director of the Medical School Foundation and the Medical Alumni Association from 1995 until 2007. He was also actively involved with the University's Comprehensive Cancer Center as well as with the development of the Department of Palliative Care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the building fund for the University of Virginia new Cancer Center, in care of Scott Karr, UVA Health Fund Development Office, P.O. Box 800773, Charlottesville, VA 22908.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, December 30, 2010, at Grace Episcopal Church in Cismont.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.