Dr. J. Claude Bennett

After an extraordinary life centered on medicine, science, leadership, and not in the least, family, Dr. J. Claude Bennett passed away on August 11, 2024. He was 90 years old and struggled with dementia for several years.

Claude was predeceased by his first wife of 42 years, Nancy Miller Bennett. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Frances Caldwell Bennett; his 3 children, Katya Bennett O’Leary (David); Miller Bennett Piggott (Philip) and Clark Barton Bennett (Margaret). Also 4 grandchildren: Jessica O’Leary Maddox (Daniel), Pauline Carruthers Piggott (Taylor Hinson), Helen O’Leary Copeland (Evan), and Parker Toal Bennett, and 1 great grandson, Grayson Rogers.

Born in Birmingham, Claude was the only child of Lucille Clark Bennett and Claude “Big Claude” Bennett. His father produced Yellow Label Table Syrup, widely known in the South, and he had high hopes of Claude taking over the family business one day. But from the age of 7, Claude knew he wanted to be a doctor. His father never gave up hope though, until finally, on the day after Claude graduated from medical school, he sold the company.

Claude graduated from West End High School, Howard College (now Samford University), and Harvard Medical School, cum laude, in 1958. After research Fellowships at several institutions, Claude returned to Birmingham to join the Department of Medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) in 1965, as an Assistant Professor. Despite offers from several prestigious medical centers during his career, he remained at UAB for the next 31 years.

From 1977-1982, he was Professor and Chairman of the Department of Microbiology and Director of the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology. From 1977-84, he was Director of the Multipurpose Arthritis Center at UAB. In 1982, he was named Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medicine and in 1992, he was honored with the William and Evalina Spencer Chair in Medical Science Leadership.

His impact on UAB’s School of Medicine is immeasurable. Under his leadership, UAB became nationally known and ranked for its excellence in rheumatology, immunology and microbiology.

Claude was a towering figure in these fields throughout the country and even internationally.

His expertise and brilliant reputation brought substantial grants, excellent faculty recruits, and stellar research fellows to Birmingham and UAB.

On October 1, 1993, he became President of UAB and continued his impactful leadership role at the University. He was designated by the University Board of Trustees as distinguished University Professor Emeritus.

In December 1996, he became President and Chief Operating Officer of BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. There he provided scientific input into drug design and clinical development programs.

Claude had an active career in research with over 200 scientific publications. He was passionate about medical education - serving as the Editor- in -Chief of the Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 19th, 20th, and 21st Editions; and as Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Medicine from 1986-97. He was a most respected and beloved teacher to UAB medical students.

Claude was honored by a number of distinguished organizations, including the Williams Award from the Association of Professors of Medicine in 1994; the 2000 Kober Medal from the Association of American Physicians; and Mastership in the American College of Physicians.

He was awarded honorary degrees from UAB, from the University of Leipzig, Germany; and in 2023, from Samford University in Birmingham.

Fittingly, Claude’s family, friends and colleagues honored him by establishing the J. Claude Bennett Endowed Chair in Rheumatology and Immunology at UAB, which will forever acknowledge his long-lasting impact on the University’s Medical School. Despite his many honors and accomplishments, Claude handled it all with innate grace and humility which endeared him to everyone who knew and worked with him. Today UAB is a nationally respected institution, known for its high-quality clinical care, impactful research and outstanding training programs, thanks in no small measure to Claude’s vision and leadership.

Claude loved Birmingham and was an active supporter of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, the McWane Science Center, the Birmingham Museum of Art and Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church where he was a long-time member.

The family would like to thank Affinity Hospice (Cassidy Brody); Unique Hands LLC (Toya Spencer, Sharon Hill, Kathy Nettles); and Kennita Burpo, all caring and compassionate caregivers to Claude during these last few years. The family requests that Memorials be made to the J. Claude Bennett, M.D. Endowed Chair at UAB and mailed to UAB Gift Records, 1720 Second Avenue South, AB 1230, Birmingham, AL 35294-0012. Or to the Saint Luke’s Foundation at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church (3736 Montrose Road, Birmingham, AL 35213). Or to the charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be held at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church on Wednesday, August 14 at 3:00 pm, with visitation at 2:00 pm. Immediately following the Service, a reception will be held at Mountain Brook Club, 19 Beechwood Road.