Larry William Owings

Larry William Owings, 81, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 13th, 2022. Larry was born in the Woodruff, SC area on September 10th, 1941 to Lucas Dee and Myrtle Louise Lowe Owings. The youngest of six, Larry was predeceased by his parents and all five of his siblings: Belton Deroy Owings, Martha Owings Satterfield, Doris Owings Osteen, Roberta Owings Davis, and Thomas Earl Owings. He is survived by his very special sister-in-law Lynn Waldrop Owings of Woodruff, SC.

Larry was married to Jocelyn (Joyce) Annette Bridwell of Duncan, SC on December 22nd 1962. They have two children: Larry Owings Jr., of Adams Center, NY, and Dawn Michelle Owings Cole and husband Vic Cole of Harrisburg, NC. Larry has three grandsons: Lucas Teets, Lee Teets, and Lincoln Cole. He loved spending time with each of them. Football, baseball, archery, pool, and golf are a few of the activities they enjoyed together.

Larry was a devout Christian and lived out his values in his everyday life. He and the family joined Pineville Church of the Nazarene soon after moving to Charlotte in 1983. He was an active and beloved member of the congregation until his passing. He served as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, board member, and on numerous committees. He offered a friendly smile, hug, and firm handshake to anyone he passed. His love for Christ and people showed clearly not only there at church, but even more importantly and effectively outside the church as he interacted with his co-workers, customers, friends, and family members.

Larry joined the US Army Reserves in 1966, serving at units in South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee, achieving the rank of Major. He retired in 1993 after 27 years of service.

Larry enjoyed a distinguished work career with the same company for 50 years. He began working in the parts department for Wrenn Brothers Handling Equipment in Greenville, SC in 1967. He was soon moved to a sales position and found the place in the company where he would excel. He moved from Greenville, SC to Columbus, GA, Johnson City, TN and finally in 1983 to a fast growing market in Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, NC. Charlotte became the permanent family home. Wrenn Brothers was purchased by BarlowWorld, which was eventually purchased by Carolina Tractor / Lift One. Larry stayed with the companies through each acquisition and retired after an almost unheard of 50 years of service. Larry won many national awards for sales throughout his career.

Although Larry worked well past traditional retirement age, he made plenty of time for his two favorite pastimes: cruises and golf. He was a member of Waterford Golf Club Rock Hill, SC and also played with friends, work colleagues, and customers any time he had the opportunity. He and Joyce took dozens of cruises together in his “retirement” years, traveling from as far north as Alaska and the arctic circle in Norway and as far south as the Amazon River.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Friday September 16th, 2022 at Pineville Church of the Nazarene. The church will be open at 1:30 for those wishing to pay respects prior to the celebration of life. The family will be available to greet friends and family in the lobby / foyer after the service.

Burial will be at The Wood Memorial Park, 863 East Gap Creek Rd., Duncan, SC 29334 on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 1:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. Additionally, there will be an annual golf tournament in Larry's honor at Waterford Golf Club in Rock Hill, SC to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Owings family.