Wentworth Lawrence (Larry) Durgin II

Wentworth Lawrence Durgin II, affectionately known as Larry, died unexpectedly on April 14th, 2024. Larry’s death is an unfathomable loss to his family, his friends, his church, Wolfpack fans everywhere, and the world.

Larry was born in New York City to his parents Gail and Worthy Durgin. In New York he was a curious kid, constantly looking for Oscar the Grouch in the city’s many trash cans. On visits to his grandparents in Charlotte he loved riding the tractor on their farm. Larry, his parents, and younger sibling Sarah moved to Greensboro at the start of elementary school. He was an active neighborhood kid, playing with anyone who would join. Larry graduated from Grimsley High School where in addition to being an IB student, he helped start both the Gay/Straight Alliance and the Ultimate Frisbee club. As a senior he won “Best Personality” and was an early adopter for Crocs shoes long before anyone else thought that they were cool. His faith was grounded from a young age; he was active in his youth group at First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro and participated in ARISE retreats.

Larry earned his Eagle Scout in Troop 160. In Scouts he gained a love for the outdoors, especially during a backpacking trip to Philmont, New Mexico. Through scouts he harnessed many of the leadership skills that he took with him in his career and personal life. He even used some of these leadership skills when he became the trip leader for his family's cross-country road trip. Larry always had a servant’s heart and could step into any role with care and compassion. Through church, scouts, school, and friends, he constantly sought out adventure and cultivated joy in relationships.

Larry moved to Raleigh to attend NC State and became a diehard fan of all things Wolfpack. He fell in love with ultimate frisbee at NC State, playing 4 seasons from 2005 to 2008 with Wolfpack Ultimate always wearing jersey #18. His leadership paved the way for him to captain the team during the 2007 season. His love of frisbee continued on the Ring of Fire ultimate frisbee team for 4 more seasons, always wearing jersey #28. His willingness to take on any role asked of him while playing on the gritty defensive line embodied the spirit of Ring.

Larry remained in Raleigh after college and joined the Young Adult Group at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. This is where he met his wife, Haley. Haley was immediately attracted to his welcoming and joyful spirit. They were a perfect fit and quickly fell for each other and were married in April of 2018. In their marriage they found a shared love of live music, traveling to the coast and mountains, spending time outside, and being with family. In April of 2022 Larry and Haley had their first child, Lillian. Then in March of 2024, they welcomed their second child, Russell. The three of them enjoyed watching NC State’s epic run in the ACC tournament in the hospital room on Russell’s first nights in the world.

Larry’s natural joy and playfulness shined through the abundance of love he showed to his kids. His smile and laugh were contagious and constant through playtime in the house, in the yard, and even in the bed of his parked pickup truck.

Larry, above all, was a fiercely kind person. The abundance of people that consider Larry a companion is a testament to the type of friend he was: deeply compassionate, radically hospitable, and joyfully patient. Larry constantly looked for ways to make others feel welcome, seen, and loved. His “go with the flow” mentality was matched with his awareness to care for others who might otherwise be overlooked.

Larry was a modern-day renaissance man. He could be described as a semi-professional disc golfer, handyman extraordinaire, Appalachia Service Project (ASP) trip leader, avid paddler of kayaks, SUPs, and canoes, active member of his church, lover of non-craft beer, smack talker in fantasy football, passionate NC State fan, proud owner of the best dog ever (Sawyer), amazing husband to his wife, and wonderful father of two beautiful children.

Larry is survived by his wife Haley, daughter Lillian (2), son Russell (1 month), his mother Gail, father Worthy, and sibling Sarah.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Appalachia Service Project, a nonprofit organization that helps create safe housing in rural Appalachia. Larry and Haley have participated in many trips both as youth and leaders with ASP.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at White Memorial Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, April 23rd at 4pm. The service will be livestreamed through the following link: https://online.brushfire.com/wmpc/funerals/bt9pp6rq6p

You’re encouraged to come dressed in a way that brings to light the life that Larry had. Wear a NC State jersey or t-shirt that reminds you of Larry, pull out the Crocs, be colorful, and be comfortable. Larry always was.

Arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.