Dr. Ralph C (R.C.) Hammett, Jr.

Dr. Ralph Carpenter (R.C.) Hammett, Jr. passed away on March 18, 2024, at Autumn Care of Waynesville after an extended illness at home and a stroke in June 2023.  He was born on January 1, 1951, in Morganton, NC to the late Rev. Ralph Carpenter Hammett and Ethel Hill Hammett.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Warren who passed away on February 23, 2024. 

R.C. graduated from Boyden High School in Salisbury, NC in 1969.  After his freshman year at Furman University, he briefly attended the U.S. Naval Academy, before having to resign due to a cervical injury.  This became a blessing in disguise as his return to Furman led him to meet the love of his life, Cindy.  This was the beginning of their calling to the chiropractic profession.   R.C. received his bachelor’s degree from Furman University in Greenville, SC in 1973.  He went on to obtain his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA in 1978 to begin his 40 years of service in their Chiropractic Practice where they worked as a team until his retirement.  He retired from his practice in 2018, having made many close friends of his patients and continued to maintain those relationships over the years.

R.C. loved watching his children grow up and supporting their chosen activities of dance and band, in particular.  He had a passion and keen eye for photography, which he passed on to his daughter, Stacey.  He also passed on to his son, Kyle, his love, and devotion of being a good father and took great pride seeing Kyle become a father to his own two boys.   

His joy of practicing chiropractic was shown through his teaching of other chiropractors and always striving to find the best solution for each patient.  During retirement, he enjoyed devoting time to friends and family for multiple projects, researching various topics, music, and education.

R.C. is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Cindy and his son, Kyle (Carolyn) along with their two children, Archer and Holden; his daughter, Stacey.

Celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Robert M. Blackburn officiating.  Reception to follow at the funeral home.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the memory of Dr. Ralph C. Hammett, Jr. to Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 N Brady St, Davenport, IA  52803.