Lawrence “Larry” Bowman Haynes passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11th surrounded by his loved ones. Born November 26, 1936 in Johnson City, Tennessee, he was the beloved only child of Lawrence and Kathryn Haynes.

A lifelong passion for the pursuit of knowledge began at Johnson City’s Science Hill High School, class of 1954. Larry matriculated to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1957 and a Doctorate of Medicine and Masters of Science Pathology in 1961. In pursuit of a neurosurgery specialty, he completed a surgical internship and one year residency at the University of Minnesota. Larry enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1963, where he proudly served his country for two years as Chief of Surgery at Greenville Air Force Base in Mississippi. Next, as a general practitioner in rural Arcola, Mississippi, he delivered over 200 babies and performed surgeries alone, as the sole doctor for several counties. At the conclusion of his military commitment, his scholarship continued in the specialty of anesthesia in the residency program at Duke University School of Medicine. Time in Durham simultaneously transformed his professional career and launched a lifetime passion for his Duke Blue Devils.

In 1969, Larry embarked on an illustrious thirty-year career as Chief of Anesthesia at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. He loved the intellectual challenge almost as much as he loved the myriad remarkable relationships. Over the years, Larry was greatly admired by his colleagues for his dedication and his pursuit of excellence in medicine.

Preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Cox Haynes, Larry and Linda enjoyed 38 years of marriage and raising their three precious daughters: Leigh Ann H. Zaytoun (Ellis Zaytoun), Susan H. Little (William Little), Mary Kathryn “Mimi” H. Matthys (Patrick Matthys).

Larry is also survived by his second wife of 27 years, Brenda Howard Haynes, whose devotion “in sickness and in health” was truly apparent. Her loving daughters: Jennifer C. Guerry (Timothy Guerry), Dana D. Murphy (Sherwin C. Murphy Jr.).

Larry loved and was very proud of all his grandchildren: Lawrence Haynes Zaytoun (Megan), Christian Zaytoun, Jeremiah “Rocco” Zaytoun, Zachary Matthys, Alana Guerry, Emily Guerry, Brennan Murphy, and Catherine Murphy.

An Eagle Scout, Larry loved the outdoors and spent time hunting, hiking, snow skiing and exploring. Whenever possible, he would make his way to the North Carolina mountains. Over the years, Brenda and he formed many cherished friendships in Linville and Brevard. Throughout his life countless hours were spent working in the yard or on his farm in Rolesville. The one thing that could bring him inside was to watch the Tennessee Volunteers or to cheer on his beloved Duke Blue Devils. A proud member of the Iron Dukes, he enjoyed following one of college basketball’s most storied programs, and traveling to cheer on Duke at all but one of the Final Four Tournaments from, 1978 – 2015. Most of us will remember Larry’s love of life and how he liked to make people laugh. His indelible spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Also, the family would like to thank Josie and Randy Bryan, his compassionate caretakers, for their wonderful care in the last months of his life. To these special people a debt of gratitude is owed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Transitions Life Care of Raleigh, 250 Hospice Cir. Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, or online at, transitionslifecare.org/donate