In Memoriam
1944–2024

Carl W. Lentz III, M.D. (Rick, Dr. Ricky, Tricky Ricky), a devoted physician, decorated military officer, and community leader, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1944, he lived all over the world as an "Army brat," but ultimately returned to his roots and graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1962. He pursued his passion for medicine at Emory University (B.A., Biology, 1966) and the University of Miami (M.D., 1970).

Rick dedicated over three decades to the U.S. Armed Forces, rising to the rank of Colonel. His distinguished service included leadership as Commander of the 456th Maxillofacial Medical Detachment during Desert Storm. He earned numerous accolades, including the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal.

An innovator in plastic surgery, Dr. Lentz published groundbreaking research and held prominent roles in professional societies, including President of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons and President of the Florida Medical Association. He was also a devoted mentor, holding clinical professorships at the University of Florida and Florida State University Colleges of Medicine.

Rick extended his service beyond medicine, serving as President of the Rotary Club of Daytona Beach, Chairman of the Daytona Beach Civic League, and board member for Halifax Health, the Museum of Arts and Sciences, and many more. His civic contributions earned him the Physician Political Leadership Award in 2005 and an appointment to the United States Military Academy Board.

A man of faith, intellect, and generosity, Rick touched thousands of lives in big and small ways. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Cheryl Winstead Lentz; his three children: daughter Ashley Lentz of Ormond Beach, Florida, and her children Stokes, Rucker, and Jackson; son Carl Lentz of Ormond Beach, his wife Alyson, and their children Lainey, Emery, and Griffin; daughter Parrish Peddrick of Greensboro, North Carolina, her husband Jonathan, and their children Thompson and Merritt; and siblings, Linda Lentz Hubert and Laurence Thompson Lentz.

Dr. Lentz's life will be remembered at a private family and extended family memorial service.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the amazing caregivers at Halifax Health and Cornerstone Daytona Beach.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that you make a contribution to The Carl WildRICK Lentz, M.D. Scholarship Fund at FSU College of Medicine: https://give.fsu.edu/ricklentz

Checks may also be directed to:
FSU College of Medicine Foundation-Daytona Beach Campus (Rick Lentz Fund) Mail to:
FSU College of Medicine-Daytona Beach Regional Campus
1200 W. Int'l Speedway Blvd. Bldg. 600, Suite 101
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Attn: Andrea

Carl W. Lentz III, M.D., is under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond, 733 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, 386-673-1100.