Dr. Larry David Gattis M.D.

1951 - 2022

Dr. Larry David Gattis, MD
November 23, 1951 - July 29, 2022
Hawkinsville, Georgia - Dr. Larry D. Gattis, M.D., of Hawkinsville, age 70, passed away Friday, July 29, 2022, at Taylor Regional Hospital in Hawkinsville. Funeral Services were Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Hawkinsville First Baptist Church. Rev. Ricky Allen and Rev. Freddy Hogg officiated services; Bill Slade and Whitney Hill spoke. Interment was in Pulaski-Bleckley Memorial Gardens. A Visitation was held Monday, August 1, 2022, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Fisher Funeral Home in Cochran.
Dr. Gattis was born November 23, 1951 in Rockmart, Georgia to the late Mr. William "Bill" Gattis and Mrs. Ola Cambell Gattis. Larry was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Faye Bennett Grinstead; and sister-in-law, Tara Faye Grinstead. He graduated from Rockmart High School in 1969 and went on to The University of Georgia graduating Magna Cumme Laude in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He was accepted into the medical school at the Medical College of Georgia in 1973 and graduated in 1977. That same year he began his Family Practice Residency at The Medical Center of Central Georgia. Dr. Gattis was Chief Resident at the Medical Center and completed his residency in May of 1980. Dr. Gattis began working at Taylor Regional Hospital's emergency room in 1979 year and opened his private medical practice. Hawkinsville became his new home and he is the longest serving physician in Pulaski County; he has served the residents of Hawkinsville and Pulaski County for 42 years and had no plans to retire. Through the years Dr. Gattis continued to further his training, so he could care for his patients. He has been recognized in the health care field by his peers and professional organizations alike. His many accomplishments, recognitions and awards included: diplomat of the American Academy of Family medicine, board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, Diplomate of The National Board of Medical Examiners, awarded a certificate of appreciation for forty years of service by The Academy of Family Physicians, board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine for AVID qualifications in geriatric medicine, board certified by Hospice Medical Directors, physicians recognition award by The American Medical Association for his continuing education studies, bioT Medical Certified Practitioner, received a long term academy membership award from The American Academy of Family Physicians, received the Ultra Sound Quality Assurance Award, and previously served as a clinical associate professor at Mercer University School of Medicine.
Dr. Gattis was the owner of Hawkinsville Health Center, President of Middle Georgia bioTe, Medical Director of Pioneer Health Care in Byromville, GA, past Medical Director of Integrity Hospice, Medical Director of AGAPE Hospice, and as Medical Director for New Pointe Treatment Center in Perry, GA.
Dr. Gattis is a member of Hawkinsville First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, taught the youth Sunday school for 15 years, served as the youth director; lead youth mission trips to New Orleans, Boston and many more destinations. He and Anita led and chaperoned many youth winter skiing retreats. He led backpacking trips with the Church youth for many years and most recently led adult backpacking trips. Dr. Gattis was a life member of the NRA and was awarded the NRA Golden Eagle award for his outstanding leadership. He was a perpetual learner and he took great pride in any and everything he did. Larry was an accomplished mechanic, working in body shops and at a car dealership while attending school. At age 14, while working and saving his money he bought a 1964 GTO. The original vehicle was modified several times by Dr. Gattis himself. Changing from the original pearl white paint to a turquoise drag car after twenty years, he and his son, Gabe began a four year restoration that was completed in 2008. Dr. Gattis was in the process of making additional modifications to the car at the time of his passing. Running was a life-long passion of his and he received many awards for 5K races and at age 50 he began competing in marathons. Although he no longer competed in races he ran 8 miles per week. He and his son, Gabe competed together and both won awards.
Dr. Gattis was an extremely generous and philanthropic man. He was recognized by Hillsdale College for his generosity. A couple of organizations were special and close to his heart, St Josephs Indian School and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. He had a love for art which began as a teenager and many of his works which hung in his mother's home now are in his home. He enjoyed oils, pastels and water colors. He was a gifted medical illustrator and some of his early works were published in medical journals.
He was an author, songwriter, bluegrass and gospel musician. He wrote and published a book titled "The Shade"; played, banjo, guitar, and sang vocals in the Gooseneck String Band; the band went on to recorded a CD together. Larry was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan and enjoyed entertaining friends and family during games. He was an excellent cook and you could find him most often helping others or working in his yard or around the house. Larry was a special, gifted, and talented man who will be remembered for his many talents but he will be remembered most of all for the lives in which he touched.
In 1989 Dr. Gattis became engaged to Anita Grinstead and the two married April 22, 1990, and began working together at Hawkinsville Healthcare Center. Together Dr. Gattis and Anita, a medical technologist, certified by the American Clinical Pathologist opened a full service lab in his office. The lab was CLIA certified in 1992. Dr. Gattis offered these services for the convience of the elderly patients who were always his top priority.
Those left behind and who deeply miss and cherish the memories of Dr. Gattis are: his loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Anita Grinstead Gattis of Hawkinsville, GA; his very talented and beloved son, Gabe Gattis of Atlanta, GA; brother, Steve Gattis (Marilyn) of Rome, GA; sister, Sherry Fowler (Natilie Williams) of Marietta, GA; nephews; David Gattis (Sherry) of Belleair Beach, FL and Tony Gattis of Rome, GA.
Dr. Gattis will be missed by his many friends but the largest void will be in the lives of his patients. He was an extremely compassionate man and if you were his patient you were also his friend.
Dr. Larry Gattis has the most dedicated staff that any physician could hope. They went above and beyond for their patients and him. One of the reasons he enjoyed going to work each day was his coworkers who were not just employees but dear friends. The family would like to give a special thank you to Shellie Roberts, Alvin Roberts, and Reesie Lee. Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts not just for the love of your job but for your love of Dr. Gattis.