School of Pharmacy

Lawrence Earle Clevinger (B.S. ‘47/P) was born on May 8,1923 in Farmville, Va., the youngest child of three brothers and two sisters. He attended Farmville High School where he was involved in a variety of activities including baseball and track and field. In 1939, he represented his high school at Virginia’s first Boys State summer program, sponsored by the American Legion. Mr. Clevinger began his degree at MCV in 1940, but his education was interrupted by WWII. Putting his studies on hold, Mr. Clevinger entered the Army and became a Private First Class medic, serving throughout Europe. His unit spearheaded the Third Army across France, Germany and Austria with such speed that it was nicknamed the “Ghost Corps.”

After the war, he returned to his studies, becoming president of his Kappa Psi fraternity. He met Lorene “Allie” Wright in pharmacy school who he later married after graduating in 1947. Following graduation, Mr. Clevinger worked as a pharmacist in several towns in Virginia, eventually settling in Pulaski in1957, accepting a position at Tyler Drug Store. Years later, Tyler’s built a new store in Pulaski and he became the owner. Mr. Clevinger continued working as a fulltime, and later a part-time and “relief” pharmacist in various stores throughout Southwest Virginia. All told, he spent 50 consecutive years serving communities as a registered pharmacist. Besides helping countless patients and customers, Mr. Clevinger mentored many students at MCV as a preceptor, giving them valuable hands-on experience and guidance.

Mr. Clevinger also served his community as a member, deacon, and elder in the First Presbyterian Church and often preached at several churches in the surrounding area. As a member of service groups, he worked to raise funds for various community projects. Through the years, as time and commitments would allow, one could find him at the New River Valley Airport piloting small aircraft which he loved to do.

Mr. Clevinger passed away in 1999. He is remembered as a kind, generous person who served his church, his profession, his community, and always with love for his family and friends.

The Lawrence Earle Clevinger Scholarship was established by his wife, Lorene “Allie” Wright Clevinger, and his daughter, Donna Lynn Clevinger, Ph.D., to honor his many contributions to the field of pharmacy and the innumerable lives he touched. The Clevinger Scholarship will support the recruitment of deserving students from Southwest Virginia.