Douglas Ira Hammer, M.D.

March 21, 1937 - November 22, 2024

Raleigh, North Carolina - 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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Hammer

Sponsored by Bryan-Lee Funeral Homes - Raleigh.

6 Entries

Marci Dolin Tolomei

July 14, 2025

Somewhere around 1963, in California, through family friends, Doug very kindly gifted me The Little Prince and Siddhartha both books I have cherished and reread throughout my lifetime.....I never saw him again but have always remembered his gentle kindness.

Megan and Jennifer Burns

July 1, 2025

Megan and I were patients of his at Blue Ridge. We can both say, without a doubt, that he saved our lives. We´re forever in the debt of such a kind and generous soul. He sent Megan a lamp in the shape of an owl (after she completed breast cancer treatment), and she still cherishes it. Thank you for taking such good care of the people around you, Dr. Hammer. You are missed.

Michele Geraghty

December 6, 2024

As a pharmaceutical rep, I called on Dr. Hammer for many years. Not only did he take the time to meet with me, but we had many good conversations in which I learned so much. He was very kind and had a beautiful smile and great sense of humor. I was immediately saddened to learn of his passing. I hope it's helpful to his family to know that he made such a positive impact on so many of us.

Dr. Jimmy Locklear

December 4, 2024

I met Dr. Hammer when I began my practice of cardiology in Raleigh in 1985. He was a kind, intelligent and caring physician who was respected by his colleagues. He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his family.
Jim Locklear, M.D.

Fred C. Hutchins

November 27, 2024

Dr. Hammer was a remarkable person. I remain fortunate to have crossed paths with him both personally and professionally.

Shirley Smith

November 27, 2024

I am so sorry to hear about Dr Hammer's passing. He was such a nice person and an excellent doctor. I knew Dr Hammer when I worked at Rex Hospital. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers for his family.

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