Larry Dean Garriss, of Halifax, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Breckenridge Retirement and Assisted Living Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina following a yearlong battle against cancer.
Larry was born on December 14, 1948 to the late Mary Lucy Martin Garriss and Fred Basil Garriss. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Harry Lee & Hazel Dean Woodard Garriss and his maternal grandparents Craven and Emma Ruth Barnes Martin, his uncles Harold Garris and Lynmore Gay, and his cousin Debbie Garris Burke.
Larry graduated from Northampton County High School in 1967 and attended Chowan College in Murfreesboro, North Carolina.
Larry served as the Solid Waste Operations and Maintenance Supervisor for Halifax County. After his retirement, he continued to represent Halifax County in the North Carolina State Waste Operations Department of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
Larry previously worked as a salesman for Batesville Casket Company for many years.
Prior to his illness, Larry worked part-time as a funeral assistant for Wrenn Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids for numerous years and was often called upon for his empathy and professionalism.
Larry served as a member of the Conway Volunteer Fire Department during the years 1972-1986, attaining the rank of Assistant Chief. He considered this service one of his most important accomplishments with great pride.
Larry would often tell stories from his time serving with his fellow firemen, bringing anyone listening to break into laughter. Larry was also a Charter Member of the Conway-Severn Volunteer Rescue Squad and served for several years.
Larry was a lifelong member of Conway Methodist Church and considered Conway “HOME” regardless of where he lived.
Larry had a great sense of humor and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He could always bring a smile to your face, and you could depend upon his wit to bring laughter to any group.
If Larry ever got tickled over something, you can bet that anyone around him would chuckle just listening and watching him laugh.
Larry especially enjoyed his close lifelong friendships with his high school buddies and faithfully kept in touch with them. He routinely attended official and unofficial class reunions with his NCHS high school friends.
Larry leaves behind with great love and pride: his son, Todd and Todd’s wife Megan, his two precious granddaughters Charlotte and Emilia; his brother, Craig and his wife Karen; his three nieces, Shelley Garriss, Holly (Ralph) Singleton, and Samantha (Nick) Brown; his great-nieces Addison Brown & Isla Singleton, and his great-nephews Dylan Singleton & Tucker Brown.
Larry also leaves behind to cherish his memory: his aunts Sue Garris and Shirley Gay; his cousins Darlene Gay (Fred) Draper, Marie Garris (Steve) Forney, Roslyn Gay, and Jason Gay; Darlene’s daughter Erin (Joe) D’Arco and their children Reagan & Michael, Debbie’s daughter Ashley Etheridge, Marie’s children Spencer & Sydney Forney, and Jason’s children Clint & Caroline, who fondly called him “Uncle Larry”; Todd’s mother Diane Garriss; and his close special friend Linda Taylor.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Conway Methodist Church (211 South Church Street – Conway, North Carolina). A memorial service will immediately follow at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Robert Hill presiding. Interment will follow at the Town of Conway Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Conway Methodist Church, PO Box 326, Conway, NC 27820 or to the Conway Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Keith Ricks, 12570 US Hwy 158, Conway, NC 27820.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.wrennfh.com