Remembering Lawrence Kirk Banks: Advocate for Diabetes Research

In memory of Lawrence Kirk Banks, a figure dedicated to diabetes research and advocacy.

News Summary

Lawrence ‘Larry’ Kirk Banks, a well-respected advocate in the diabetes community and legal professional, passed away recently at the age of 82. A graduate of Duke University, he made significant contributions to diabetes research and significantly impacted the legal field throughout his career. Banks co-founded the Kentucky Chapter of the Diabetes Foundation and was one of the first to use a fully internal insulin pump, showcasing his dedication to the cause. His legacy will live on through his family and his ongoing impact in diabetes advocacy.

Williamsburg, V.A. – Lawrence “Larry” Kirk Banks, a prominent advocate for diabetes research and a respected member of the legal community, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82.

Banks was born on March 12, 1943, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Charles A. Banks, Jr. and Madge McMillan Banks. He is survived by his partner, Elizabeth Kight Simpson, and three daughters: Laura Banks Hardwicke, Jennifer McMillan Banks, and Catherine Elizabeth Banks, along with four grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Gray Smith Banks, who died in 2011, and his older brother, Charles A. Banks, III, who passed away in 2022.

A Distinguished Educational and Professional Journey

Larry Banks was a distinguished graduate of Duke University, where he received his A.B. in 1965. During his time at Duke, he was actively involved in various extracurricular activities including swimming, lacrosse, and singing in the university choir. He later obtained his L.L.B. from Duke University School of Law in 1967, graduating with honors as a member of the Order of the Coif. Additionally, he earned an L.L.M. in taxation from Georgetown University Law Center in 1971.

Following law school, Banks began his legal career by clerking for the United States Tax Court, which set the foundation for his future work in tax law. In 1971, he joined Greenebaum, Doll & McDonald in Louisville, Kentucky, where he worked diligently and eventually became a partner. Larry continued to serve clients in the firm’s Lexington office until his retirement in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and professionalism in the legal field.

Long-Time Diabetes Advocate

In addition to his successful law career, Banks was notably impacted by his diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 32 in 1975. This personal experience spurred his commitment to diabetes advocacy. In 1979, he co-founded the Kentucky Chapter of the Diabetes Foundation alongside Dr. Steven Leichter and other concerned individuals, aiming to promote awareness and funding for diabetes research.

Through his dedication, Banks became one of the first individuals to receive a fully internal insulin pump in 1990, showcasing the advancements in diabetes treatment and the importance of research funding. His advocacy work significantly contributed to the visibility and understanding of diabetes, reflecting his belief in the necessity for ongoing research and support for those affected by the condition.

A Passion for Knowledge

Banks was known not just for his career and advocacy but also for his love of learning. He was a voracious reader and a keen student of history, often engaging in discussions about politics and global events. His intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for knowledge made him a respected figure in both his professional and personal circles.

Legacy and Memorial

In honor of his memory and his commitment to diabetes research, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which continues to strive for advancements in treatment and care for those living with diabetes.

Lawrence “Larry” Kirk Banks leaves behind a legacy of legal expertise, advocacy, and a passion for knowledge that will be remembered by his family, friends, and all those he inspired throughout his life.