Dr. Lawrence Kirk Bennett

Dr. Lawrence Kirk Bennett, 66, of Blythewood, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 11, 2025. Born on November 26, 1958, in Great Falls, Montana, he was the son of Barbara Bennett-Leanza and the late Kirk Bennett. Dr. Bennett earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of South Carolina, and Doctor of Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he was awarded the Robert G. Taylor Scholarship for exemplary leadership in family medicine. Dr. Bennett was known for his warm, friendly, and funny personality. He was a devoted caregiver who provided medical care to veterans at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center Emergency Room, as well as to patients in nursing homes and palliative care. Dr. Bennett was an avid bicycle enthusiast who completed several races in the mountains of western North Carolina. He enjoyed following the famed Tour de France bicycle race and other European cycling events. Dr. Bennett was a coffee connoisseur, pizza aficionado, and private pilot who enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including chess, bowling, fishing, reading, cooking, playing the piano, listening to music, driving fast cars, and watching sci-fi and mystery shows and movies. He was a devoted husband who found great joy in spending time with Dianne, his wife of thirty-eight years, and their two dogs, Trip and Teddy. Dr. Bennett’s greatest legacy was being a loving father who supported and encouraged his children to always follow their dreams. Survivors include his wife, Dianne Stuck Bennett of Blythewood; daughters, Laura JulieAnne Bennett and her husband, Nyamsaikhan Odsuren of Decatur, Georgia, and Victoria Miranda Bennett and her partner, Harry Scholtz, of Blythewood; mother, Barbara Bennett-Leanza of St. Petersburg, Florida; sister, Ramona Bennett of St. Petersburg, Florida; brother Marco Bennett of Durham, North Carolina; in-laws, Duane and Daisy Stuck of Blythewood, brother-in-law, David Stuck and his wife, Amy Stuck of Blythewood, and nephews, Carson and Miller Stuck of Blythewood. A memorial service honoring Dr. Bennett’s life will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or to the charity of your choice. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Tributes

Dr. Lawrence Kirk Bennett

November 26, 1958 - July 11, 2025