October 10, 1951 – September 19, 2026 (age 74)
William Lawrence “Larry” Schoolmeester passed away peacefully September 19, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 74 years old.
Memorial services for William Lawrence “Larry” Schoolmeester, will be held at 2 pm this Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, 1112 Fair Street, Camden. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, also at Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel.
Larry was born on October 10, 1951, in Bethesda, Maryland, to the late George Edward Schoolmeester and Helen McKee Schoolmeester. From an early age, he possessed a passion for learning and a desire to help others, qualities that would ultimately lead him to a long and meaningful career in medicine.
Larry earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1976 and spent over 50 years as a well-known and respected cardiologist in South Carolina. He is widely recognized as a founding member of the South Carolina Heart Center. He helped establish and grow the center into a major regional provider network, expanding access to advanced cardiovascular care throughout the state before eventually shifting his core practice to Camden Heart Care. He dedicated his career to caring for the hearts and lives of countless patients. His work was more than a profession; it was an opportunity to serve others. Over the years, many of his patients came to know him not simply as their physician, but as a trusted and familiar presence during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Beyond his accomplishments as a physician, Larry’s greatest legacy can be found in the family and loved ones he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife, Diane Smith Schoolmeester; his children, Rob Schoolmeester (Erin) and Jennifer Walden; and his stepchildren, Sheila Whitlaw, Grace Whitlaw, MiKayla Woodward (Dustin), and Zachary Jones (Cheyenne). He is also survived by his four brothers, Dr. Ken Schoolmeester (Holly), Steve Schoolmeester (Teresa), Rick Schoolmeester (Marla), and Rob Schoolmeester (Myra); his sister, Jackie George (Al); his numerous grandchildren; and many extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and patients whose lives were touched by his presence.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, George Edward and Helen McKee Schoolmeester.
Throughout his life, Larry built a legacy that extended far beyond the titles and accomplishments on the walls of his medical practice. He will be remembered as a husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, physician, and friend. The many years he devoted to caring for others left an enduring mark on his community, while the memories shared with those closest to him will remain a treasured part of his family’s story.
Larry always had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his beloved mastiffs. His devoted Magnolia (Maggie) remained faithfully by his side, fiercely watching over and protecting him until the very end. In honor of Larry’s love for animals and the special bond he shared with Maggie, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Southern States Mastiff Rescue in Maggie’s name.
Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
