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Llewellyn Winn "Lew" Stringer, Jr MD
05/26/1939 - 05/16/2023
Llewellyn Winn Stringer, Jr. MD died May 16, 2023.
He was born on May 26, 1939, in Richmond, Virginia, the son of Llewellyn Winn Stringer, an ABC Agent, high school coach football coach and Southern Conference football referee and Margaret Hayden Stringer, the personal secretary to the Chairman of the 5 th District Branch of the Federal Reserve, Richmond. He attended Hermitage High School and was in the first graduation class from Douglas Freeman High School. From the time he was a small boy he showed an interest in medicine, mending the wing of an injured bird to volunteering for the Lakeside Rescue team to working for Allied Ambulance Service and the Medical College of Virginia hospital as an orthopedic tech during college. He was an Eagle Scout. He attended the University of Richmond where he was a student athletic trainer. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia, School of Medicine class of 1966. In 2016 he was elected to the MCV chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine leadership fraternity. After reserve duty with the Navy during medical school, internship, and residency he served on Active Duty at Portsmouth Naval Hospital during the Viet Nam War. He settled in Winston-Salem practicing for 35 years, first on the faculty of the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University and later Forsyth Memorial Hospital, Medical Director of ICU and Respiratory Therapy and his private respiratory practice. As an adjunct professor, for years, he instructed medical students and residents in Emergency Medicine. He served Forsyth County, North Carolina as a Medical Examiner and Medical Advisor to the Forsyth County Emergency Medical Services for more than 30 years teaching the early classes for EMT and Paramedics as well as responding to accidents within the county and state and received the John Burwell Excellence in EMS. As an early advocate for pre-hospital medical treatment, in 1987 he formed the disaster team, Special Operations Response Team (SORT) and with his wife Jane, formed and directed the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), Disaster Medical Assistance Team (NC-1 DMAT) and National Medical Response Team (NMRT-East) hazmat group. He developed the concept of the North Carolina State Special Medical Assistance Teams (SMAT). He responded to disasters in the United States and their protectants as a reservist
Captain in the Commissioned Corp US Public Health. He worked as Medical Advisor to North Carolina Emergency Management in Raleigh. After 9/11, Dr Stringer served during the George W. Bush Administration as Senior Medial Advisor to the newly designed Department of Homeland Security, FEMA division. He designed the federal program, Mobile Disaster Hospital (MDH) and continued to direct the project when it moved from Washington to North Carolina until he retired in 2017. Drexdal Pratt, Office of Emergency Medical Services presented Dr Stringer with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from NC Governor Pat McCrory. In retirement, he helped Brunswick County Sheriff and Mecklenburg County Virginia Emergency Management teaching classing and developing operational plans, serving on the board of the Lake Gaston Water Safety Council, and was a member of the Lake Gaston Association, Public Safety Committee. He enjoyed his association with the South Hill Rotary Club and was named the Rotarian of the Year in 2002.
He is survived by his wife Jane Owen Stringer, son Llewellyn Winn Stringer, III and wife Kara who live in Park City, Utah; grandchildren, Llewellyn Winn Stringer, IV of Salt Lake City, UT and Kegan Dawn Stringer of San Diego, California. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to South Hill Volunteer Fire Dept., 114 N. Brunswick Avenue, South Hill, VA 23970, or a charity of your choice.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 19 at their home in Bracey, Virginia. A graveside service will be conducted at 2 pm, Saturday, May 20 at High Hills Cemetery, 215 S Halifax Road, Jarratt, Virginia. The family will meet with friends after the service in the Sharon Room at High Hills Baptist Church. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home, 1504 N. Mecklenburg Ave, South Hill VA. is in charge of arrangements Online condolences may be made through our website, www.crowderhitecrews.com. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Stringer family with the help of Owen Funeral Home in Jarrett, Va. with the graveside service.
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Very sad to hear about Lew”s passing. We were medical students together at MCV. He was always interested in learning new ways to care for patients. He was caring and dedicated to helping his patients. He always had a smile and a positive outlook on life.
Ms
I knew Lew and Jane and Lew lll first when we all showed our Polled Hereford cattle. It was only later that I learned that he was a doctor. I often rode my bicycle past their beautiful farm. I gradually came to realize that he did everything himself; all that was needed to breed and raise cattle.
He was my doctor treating my life-long condition called bronchiatisis; starting me on a road to controlling my condition.
I am sorry to have missed all the emergency work that he and Jane did after I left Winston-Salem.
I am sure your home in iVirginia was always surrounded by beautiful landscaping and flowers. I hope Lew enjoyed his years there.
Lew and I were very near the same age. Therefore this post from early days.
RIP Lew. I knew and appreciated how tough you were.
Jane, may you bask in the memories you had together. I hope to see you again.
Oregon DMAT Team Commander (retired)
I first worked with Dr. Stringer on NDMS deployment to the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996.
Our paths continued to cross
through team and program transitions
from HHS to DHS to FEMA and back again.
He was a character
and shared many life and field lessons.
Warmest prayers for comfort and peace to Jane and to the Stringer family.
RN, BSN
From delivering calves to rushing in to take care of a patient in need. This man did it all. I was just telling some new nurses the other day what they missed from the better days of health care.
RN
Dr Stringer was the best of the best. He was the doc you wanted taking care of you, your family, or your patient in a crisis. He saved my son’s life when the ER staff wasn’t taking my son’s illness seriously enough to suit me! I asked that they call in Dr Stringer…he assessed, diagnosed, and treated my toddler appropriately, and in my opinion,, saved his life.
Dr Stringer was innovative and experienced beyond his years. He was a ‘bad ass’ and I say that with great admiration and respect!! My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Retired Law Enforcement
Dear Jane and Stringer family, My most sincere condolences to you on Lew passing. I knew him for so long even when I was in the Navy I was stationed at Portsmoth Naval Hospital while Lew was there and sat up the first RCU unit (Respiratory Care Unit) for that Hospital. I was there as a Navy Corpsman and always heard great praise of Lew’s work there. My entire career with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s office I worked around him during his response to accidents,I could not have work with a finer man or Doctor. He was my Doctor that treated me for severe bacteria infection to the lung(he saved me by fining what was wrong with me. He was one of the greatest Emergency Medicine Doctors I have ever known, Lew you will be missed,but never forgotten. Rest in peace my dear friend. Thanks for all the great things you have done for humanity.
Former DMAT NC volunteer
I know Dr Stringer will be missed. He has made many friends and was a great leader. My prayers for Jane and family. There were so many great times during my time serving with the DMAT team. Lots of great memories and stories to tell due to this man . RIP
Dr. Llewellyn Winn Stringer Jr.
Thank you. “A Priceless and Timeless Doctor You Are”. You have served in your profession as an impeccable example of the “ Hippocratic Oath” and Compassion, at its best. Well done. Now you are
lovingly and peacefully resting in the care of Our Heavenly Father, for you have received the promise of Eternal Life. My heartfelt appreciation, respect, and condolences to the Stringer Family.
Retired WSFD
I am so sorry to hear that Dr. Stringer passed. Although this is sad. It is up to us to carry the standard of care Lew and Jane had given us though the years. Also to teach others not to half step make a difference in this crazy world. Help people when they are at their lowest. My God Bless this family, and our friend Lew.
RRT
Doc taught myself and many others things we will never forget. Always in my heart and in my Daughters heart as well. We will miss you but never forgotten.
Mac,
CAPT, USPHS (ret), PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA
My condolences to Jane and the entire Stringer Family. I considered Lou not just a respected and honored NDMS colleague, but also a friend. He will be sorely missed by all of us
Global Medical Response
Dr Stringer truly made our nation a much safer place and his service and vision will not be forgotten. Many ways we respond to disasters today are because of his hard work, dedication and vision. It was truly an honor to serve under his command with SORT, NC-1 DMAT and the NMRT. Thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends.
Former patient
Dr Stringer was the best Dr I ever had he saved my life when I had food posioning. It was so bad he had to report it to the Health Dept. My children Lonnie And Betsy showed steers together. My deepest condolences go out to Jane, his son, and grandchildren. He was a great caring Dr
Fire Chief SHVFD
Jane and Family,
Our Emergency Services Community has lost a huge asset, friend and mentor. We pray for peace and comfort during your difficult time. Thank you very much for sharing “DOC” with us and allowing him to influence so many people.
We will take it from here LEW.
Thank You.
SHVFD
RESUE
I was in DR STRINGERS EMT CLASSES he was the greatest in teaching so you could understand the techniques of caring for the patients. R I P
Retired WSFD
My introduction to Lew came when I was a new police officer but we developed a friendship over the years. One Thanksgiving when I was on duty, we both were at the ER and it was time to eat. Having the kind heart that he did, he invited me home for dinner with Jane and Little Lew.
I eventually joined SORT, NMRT and DMAT and worked alongside so many good people that Doc had brought together and who looked up to him as leader and mentor. Those were very good years.
Lew was one of those bigger than life kind of men that we need more of. I am honored to have been a coworker and friend.
Jane, my prayers are with you and your family. ‘Doc’ will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but his story will live on.
Irene Zimmerman Shields
Dear Jane and Stringer Family,
Love, prayers and deepest sympathy. May our Lord wrap His loving arms around you and give you the peace and comfort need now and, in the days to come. So very sorry that I did not know Dr. Stringer. I understand that he was a wonderful doctor and friend. Jane and family, love and prayers and many blessings. Love. Irene Z. Shields
Retired Nurse
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Dr. Stringer was one of a kind and you could tell he deeply loved what he did. May the grace of God and all the good memories help you in the days, weeks months ahead.
Retired Paramedic
To Jane and family, I am sorry to learn of Doc’s passing. He was a great teacher, coworker and friend. He believed if a person or community was in trouble you had to act and help. If you couldn’t get the victims to the service, bring the service to the victims. The mobile hospital systems that he helped design did just that! I am proud to have had a opportunity to worked with him over the years and he will be sorely missed.
Nurse practitioner
I had the honor and privilege to work along side of Doc on many deployments through SORT, NMRT and DMAT. There is not anyone that will ever replace Doc. My heart goes out to Jane and family.
Colonel USMC Retired
Fair winds and following seas old friend
Team Commander, NC1 DMAT
I don’t think there is enough room here to say all I need to say about my almost 30 years relationship with Doc and Jane. I don’t think I would be the person I am without his mentorship, knowledge, and friendship. We had many missions together, taught many classes on special needs, WMD and response. He was smart, hard as nails with a soft heart and love of service and helping others. He always spoke his mind and always was there when I needed him. He was one of the fathers of disaster response not only on the local level, but the state and federal level as well. I think we balanced each other out. He will truly be missed by many. But we are all better for having known him. RIP Doc, thanks.
From The Eyes Of A Young Girl
I met Dr. Lew Stringer as a young girl…I was in a very bad car accident with my little sister Alice and my grandmother. I was in the ICU at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in the early 1970’s if memory serves me correctly. After I came to after being in a coma about five days, I was moved to a shared room. He introduced himself, and took great care of me till I got to go home. I never forgot him,,, nor his name. It is sad that I never got to really thank him. He told my family the night of the accident that I was in the hands of the Lord….he told them he didn’t think I would make it through the night….BUT, thanks be to God and Dr. Stringer…I am still here. I want his family to know I am 65 yrs old now…. thanks to them. Thank you Dr. Lew Stringer. You were the best!
RN
Huge hugs to Jane & family. When I joined SORT, I had no idea what I was getting into, but knew I didn’t want to leave it. We worked hard, fussed, cussed, played, laughed & cried. It was a different kind of family that I hadn’t known before. Doc pulled us together and always had our backs. It was a frustrating pleasure to know him and the memories will always be treasured. A good man and awesome leader – you will be missed Sir!
BJ (Grubbs) Ellender
To Jane and all Dr. Stringer’s Family,
For as much as I can, I share your loss of Husband, Father, Father in Law, and Grandfather. As a RN at Forsyth Memorial Hospital I enjoyed working under Dr. Stringer in RCU, I learned so much from him. He leaves a great legacy in the area of Emergency Medicine and will never be forgotten. May the love of God, Family, and Friends support you through the difficult days ahead. Warmly, BJ
Firefighter For the Town ofKernersville
Thank you DOC for all that you did to better the community, the responders, for you wit and you grit and drive serve and make a difference. My sincere condolences to your family!
Paramedic
Doc was an amazing teacher, mentor and friend.
I joined SORT in 98 and met him and Jane. Doc was a leader in disaster medicine and taking care of others in need. He never asked his team to go or do anything that he wouldn’t be right beside you doing.
Over the years I have enjoyed everything that I was able to do thanks to “Doc” and Jane took care of him and us just like we were one of their kids.
He will be greatly missed. Prayers for Jane and the rest of the family.
Former SORT, NC-1 DMAT and NMRT East
Our condolences to Jane and the family. You both were cherished friends. His warm smile and pleasant personality brightened many of my days. I was fortunate to have known him and to have served under his leadership.
Go to Contractor
Fly high Dr Lew! Thanks for all you did for EM and medical service. Proud to have been asked to join SORT and serve the team especially at the 96 Olympics as hazmat and training oficer. Paved the way for my future endeavors. Thanks again for the vote of confidence. By the way, coffee is ready!
Heartfelt condolences
Our prayers are with Jane and family. Our hearts are broken. Lew touched so many in caring ways and was a pillar in our community. So glad to have had our paths cross and to know such a great guy.
Fire Chief Town of Madison NC. Retired Captain City of Winston-Salem NC
It was my pleasure to serve under Docs direction for many years. He will be missed. God speed 803
Nurse
I first met Dr. Stringer, DOC, through the Vantage golf championship where he was in charge of medical services. I then began a 15 year love affair with emergency medicine with SORT, NDMS AND NMRT. I learned so very much from this dedicated servant of the public’s health and remained in contact with Jane and Doc when we would visit family in Virginia. I will always treasure all the moments my husband and I had with this wonderful family. My deepest condolences to Jane and the family.
Firefighter Paramedic HMRT
I am blessed to work snd mentored by 803. He was a molder of men and women. I worked at FCEMS. SORT DMAT. HMRT snd Board of Directions # SE Winston Salem Rescue Squad. 803 worked tirelessly to improve quality of health care wherever he served. He treated everyone equally and had the Highest level of ethics and strength and instilled such into me.
Take care Jane, Lew III.
803, I know you are in Heaven with Red Duke. having fun still.
See you on the other side.
John Lentz
Firefighter Paramedic HMRT
Al & Nancy Veeck -Friends
To everyone who knew him, Dr. Lew was a dedicated medical professional and just the best person to have as a friend. I was privileged to know Lew for just a few years, having met him as a Rotarian. In that short time, we shared philosophies of work, commitment, politics and faith.
Lew had God’s blessings on all of the good work he did over his career with so many people enjoying the benefit of his labor and commitment. May he rest with the Lord and may his family be blessed.
Retired Paramedic (Davidson County North Carolina)
Jane and family may god bless you and your family during this time of sorrow. I will miss talking to you on Facebook
Retired Paramedic
So sorry. Doc was a mentor and friend. He knew his “stuff”. He was a great doctor, giving of himself unselfishly. I cherish the memories..
Retired Law Enforcement Professional
Doctor Stringer was a great man and dedicated public servant. He had vision far beyond his years and he invented and created programs and protocols that were only thought of at the time as futuristic, he made them reality. Not only was he a great trainer and instructor, he was a doer. He was right there on the front lines with his EMT’s and Paramedics and would never have them do something he wasn’t willing to do himself or with them. I invite you to visit my Facebook Profile where for many years now, I have always tried to honor those that I consider our Local Heroes. HE is definitely one of our greatest Local Heroes and I hope you will check out what I have posted there for everyone to read. The link is listed here: https://www.facebook.com/timwootenmusic/
Ms. Jane, you and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers and we thank you to for your years of service to our communities and devotion to this guy we called legend, you called husband. May God comfort you and your family during these trying times.
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Dr Stringer. He was an amazing man. Dr. Stringer always showed confidence in me and taught me confidence in myself and my abilities. He was a mentor, a teacher and a friend. He will be missed by me and many many others. It was my honor to share in part of his life.
It was painfully obvious Doc was always in it for his service to humankind before anything else. I don’t think I’ve ever known another person that gave so much of his time to make EMS and disaster response better! He truly led a life of service and truly cared. We all learned a great deal from him and he was happy to teach us how to do it better and he expected it! He is missed around the hospital to this day and there are still lots of stories about “Stringer” as he was commonly called. He was one of a generation that there are far too few of today. He will be missed in life. Godspeed 803. Your reward is very well deserved!
NC EMS, Retired
What a great teacher and leader in emergency medicine
You have my deepest sympathy. May God give you peace in your sorrow
FCEMS
He was a great leader, teacher and Medical Director in Forsyth County.
May God give you peace in your loss.
Former EMT Southeast Winston Rescue Squad
Condolences to the Stringer Family on behalf of the Southeast Winston Rescue Squad. Thanking Dr Stringer for his training and the many medical standbys with him and SORT. A man of his calibre will be missed.