Larry Eugene Church, Sr.

Larry Eugene Church, Sr., a native of Norfolk, V.A. but a resident of Aiken, S.C. for the last twenty-two years, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 9th following a short period of final illness and surrounded by his loving family.

He was the son of the late Mr. Hurley and Mrs. Laura Church of Norfolk, V.A. He and his eight brothers and sisters were reared in Pinnacle Creek, W.V., a time that gave him many fond memories and infinite material for stories that captivated his children and grandchildren. The family later moved back to Norfolk, where he enlisted in the service and later returned to start his own family.

Larry was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, and he served as a radioman aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal. During his tenure in the service, he learned the telecommunications trade in which he was employed for the rest of his career. He retired as a Senior Control Operations Technician from Bell Atlantic, and relocated to South Carolina to work in the same field for Verizon at the Savannah River Site. For respite from his inspiring work ethic, he traveled at every opportunity to visit family and satisfy his lifelong pursuit of knowledge. In retirement, he found joy in traversing Lake Murray on his pontoon (laden with as many friends and family as it could hold), watching as much Fox News as possible, and pursuing the improvement of the fourteen acres of land that he treasured.

Above all, he was a strong advocate for and cultivator of the family he had with his wife and best friend of over thirty years, Mrs. Cathy Church. He was proceeded in death by his oldest child, Mrs. Joanne Meiggs of Aiken, S.C. He is survived by his three sons and their beloved wives: Mr. Michael and Mrs. Teresa Ward of Aiken, S.C., Mr. Christopher and Mrs. Melissa Ward of Aiken, S.C., and Mr. Larry and Mrs. Kristen Church, of Beaumont, C.A. From those children he enjoyed many grandchildren and a great grandchild: Ms. Jami Meiggs, Mrs. Megan Ferrer (Carlos), Miss Emma Church, Miss Marra Hunkins, Mr. Alyxander Ward, Miss Amanda Church, Mr. Lee Warning, Mr. Noah Ward, Mr. Elias Ward, and Miss Elliana Ward.

One of the younger children in a large and robust family, he enjoyed his time as partner in crime with his surviving sibling, Ms. Bessie Vest (Bill) of Maryland, Ms. Barbara Hill of Illinois, and Mrs. Sandra (Mike) Dix of Virginia, with whom he spoke and visited often. We are confident he has resumed this same role with those siblings who entered Heaven before him: Mrs. Joyce Land (Bill), Mr. Pete Church, Mr. Tom Church (Jean), Mr. Ray Church (Diana), and Ms. Debbie Catlin. From these, he enjoyed every opportunity to be an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. These relationships were in addition to ones that he celebrated through his wife, and he is remembered by his mother-in-law, Ms. Shirley Christie of Florida, and his sisters-in-law, Mrs. Debbie Mohr (Howard) of Florida an Mrs. Dori Justice (Bill) of Tennessee. From these extended family, he spent much time in the company and confidence of yet more nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family also would appreciate if anyone with photographs or digital videos of Larry would send them to cgward143@gmail.com. If you have more than a few photographs to send, please contact Chris via the provided email.

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