Dr. Larry Russell Moorman

Larry Russell Moorman, MD Dr. Larry R. Moorman, deeply loved by his family, patients, and colleagues, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and his children at the age of 80. He was born on November 20, 1944, in Douglas, Georgia, to Ross G. Moorman, Sr. and Billie Russell Moorman. He attended South Georgia College, where he played on the golf team that won the state championship both years he was a member, and he was named Georgia Junior Champion. He earned a degree in biology from Valdosta State University and his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Baroness Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Moorman began his career in ophthalmology in his hometown of Douglas in 1975 and moved to Tifton in 1978 to open his own practice. He cared deeply for his patients, staff, and colleagues, practicing medicine with kindness, generosity, and compassion until his retirement in 2017. Known for his dedication, he often gave patients his personal phone number and met them after hours to ensure they received the care they needed. Dr. Moorman’s greatest joy was his family. He loved his wife of 32 years, Debra, his four children and their spouses—Rusty (Amanda), Jonathan (Melissa), Jennifer (Jason), and Alex (Richard)—his seven grandchildren, Katie, Joey, Ethan, Corey, Chad, Mary Madison, and Kelly, and his beloved Scottish Terrier, Lily. He was happiest when surrounded by them. Businessman, philanthropist, and friend, Dr. Moorman gave freely of his time, resources, and heart—quietly supporting others through acts of compassion, steady generosity, and a deep desire to ease burdens where he could. He also believed strongly in the value of education. He established two scholarships: a general academic scholarship at Abraham Baldwin College, and in honor of his late wife, the Renee H. Moorman Nursing Scholarship at Tift Regional Medical Center to support LPNs pursuing RN degrees. In addition to his dedication to education and healthcare, Dr. Moorman had a lifelong love of golf. He enjoyed the game both as a player and as the former owner of Forest Lakes Golf Club, where he took great pride in helping rehabilitate and revitalize the course for the community. In 2002, Dr. Moorman generously donated the golf course to Abraham Baldwin College, ensuring it would support educational programs and remain a place of enjoyment for the community he loved. Dr. Moorman was preceded in death by his first wife, Renee H. Moorman; his parents, Ross G. Moorman, Sr. and Billie Ricketson; his stepmother, Elizabeth Lewis Moorman; and his brothers, Ross G. (Glenn) Moorman, Jr., Clyde Moorman, and Frank Lewis. In addition to his immediate family, Dr. Moorman is survived by his brothers, Dick Lewis (Carol), and Greg Lewis (Pam); his mother-in-law Loraine Hurt; his brother-in-law, Billy Hurt (Kim); and sisters-in- law, Roberta Moorman, Sharon Moorman, Kathy Massee (Cleve), and Faye Turney (Chuck); his nephews, Dr. Ross Moorman (Lisa), Spence Moorman (Pam), Richard Lewis (Kim), Rhett Lewis (Lisa), Mike Lewis (Doralee), Jake Hurt (Casey), and Jason Hendley (Amanda); his nieces, Dr. Rhonda Moorman, Heidi Moorman (Greg), Katie Lewis, (Jeremy), Meghan Lewis, Ashley Hurt, and Rebecca Massee. Dr. Moorman treasured his many close friends, especially those in his Asbury Sunday School Class, his breakfast group of more than 35 years—Glenda and Johnnie Johnson, Merle and Tommy Smallwood, Keith Beasley, and Steve Griffin—as well as the staff and patrons at JoJo’s and Chicago’s, who became like family to him. He was especially grateful for the care of Van Joseph, whose kindness and dedication brought great comfort to him and his family. Van, along with his wife, Nancy, became family, and their love and support will always be remembered with gratitude. A funeral service will be held at First Methodist Church of Tifton on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 12 p.m. Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11 a.m. followed by the service. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tift Animal Rescue of Tifton, Georgia.

Dr. Larry Russell Moorman

November 20, 1944 - June 11, 2025