Dr. Richard Charles Worf

Rick was the son of the late Douglas Lowell Worf and Patricia Anne Worf. He grew up all over the United States, including Colorado and Alaska, where he developed his lifelong love of the outdoors. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1974 and UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 1978. In Chapel Hill, he met the love of his life, Evelyn (Lyn) Neese Snyder Worf. They were married for almost 46 years.

After medical school and residency at Bowman Gray, Rick spent seven years caring for the people of Troy, N.C. as a family doctor, and also served as Montgomery County health director. For several years, Rick delivered almost all the babies born at the hospital. He then moved to Winston-Salem, where he practiced family medicine for 34 more years before retiring in 2021. Rick developed enduring relationships with his patients, caring for many of them from childhood through adulthood. He also served as president of the UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine alumni association. Rick was an active member of Mount Tabor United Methodist Church for over 30 years and cherished sitting on pew six with his family.

Rick was a true Renaissance man. He enriched the lives of his family and friends with his exceptional talents for woodworking, winemaking, gardening, and cooking. The furniture he made has graced the homes of his family members for many decades, including a cradle that his two children and four grandchildren all slept in as infants. Rick was also known for his elaborate Lionel train layouts and his interests in golf, hunting, and baseball (he was on a longstanding quest to visit every major league ballpark with his son). Rick was a wonderful storyteller and conversationalist, who hosted countless memorable gatherings at his home.

Rick's strength of character was never more evident than during his nearly seven-year battle with cancer. For over four of those years, he continued serving his patients full time, including risking his life during the global pandemic. For the entire period, he provided never-ceasing love and support for Lyn, his children, and their families. They will remember him forever as someone who spent his life caring for others, and made the most of every moment he had.

Lyn and Rick were happiest when they were together and with their family, especially at their beautiful home they built 28 years ago.

Rick is survived by Lyn; his children Rich Worf, Jr. (spouse Lisa) and Caroline Long (spouse Joshua); and grandchildren Lilly, Hallie, and Finley Long and Henry Worf.

Rick's funeral will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, 3543 Robinhood Rd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27106. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Mount Tabor United Methodist Church.