Dr. Dick Redmond Lavender passed peacefully at home, encircled by his wife and loving family. Born July 17, 1935, his life spanned 87 years to November 9, 2022.

Dick was born in Tryon, North Carolina to John Lee Lavender and China Kola Redmond Lavender. He attended Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine prior to completing residency at the University of Minnesota Hospital; he then began practice in Minnesota.

His family-raising years began in Minnesota before a move to North Carolina in 1978. Dick enjoyed time at Holden Beach, replete with surf fishing, long walks on the beach, and ocean swims with the kids. Later interests included attending church, hiking in the Appalachians, grilling, road trips, and patronizing favorite restaurants with family. He enjoyed watching football and basketball and was an ardent Wake Forest fan.

Dick was a dearly beloved physician, as evidenced by countless tales of his earnest and selfless caring for the stricken--whether within his thriving practice as an orthopedic surgeon at the Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Clinic in Greensboro or traveling to far reaches of the globe. Indeed, he volunteered his skills as an orthopedic surgeon to needing patients in South Africa (six times), Cameroon, Bhutan, Tibet, China, and India. Martha, his loving wife and inseparable companion of 35 years, accompanied and supported him.

When not in medical service, Dick and Martha loved traveling the world for learning and pleasure; they explored Antarctica, the Amazon, China, Egypt, and Turkey, along with multiple trips to Israel and Siberia. Christmas in Austria was their delight. They frequently returned from abroad with genuine artifacts, such as those bought off the hands of Amazon canoe paddlers, Austrian cowherds, and African carvers.

Dick was an inquisitive, lifelong learner who seemingly could instantly generate twenty rapid-fire questions on any given topic of interest. His quick wit, often-wry humor, and big smile were also trademarks.

Dick is survived by his wife Martha Lavender; by his daughter Leigh Lavender Brooks, her husband Bob Brooks and their children Sarah-May and Benjamin; by son John David Lavender, his wife Marie Lavender, and son Brandon; and by three cousins (more like dear brother) Thomas Redmond and wife Morgan and daughter China Evangeline, Hight Redmond and wife Janice and Nancy Dee Penick.

Dick is also survived by Martha's children—daughter Nancy Hoke, her husband Brad Hoke, and children Emily and Willis; by daughter Megan Bostrom, her husband Chris Bostrom, and children Mia and Bjorn; and by son Jim Omundson, his wife Anna Omundson, and Jim's children Susannah and Joe.

The Family will hold a private graveside service at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens in Boone, in accordance with Dick's wishes. Memorial Donations may be made to The Master's Seminary at https://tms.edu/ways-to-give/

Online condolences may be sent to the Lavender at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.