Larry Dean Fields

Larry Dean Fields, of Greensboro, passed away December 8, 2023, at the age of 76. Born August 2, 1947, to Magdalene and Richard Fields, Larry was the oldest of four boys. He graduated from Southeast Guilford High School in 1965 and attended UNC-Greensboro to study landscape architecture. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a self-employed franchisee of Winzer product, selling fasteners to a broad manufacturing clientele. Focused on providing excellent customer service, Larry always went above and beyond to help his clients maintain their machine shops; what made Larry a great salesman was his attention to detail, his pride of workmanship, and his desire to help his customers meet their business goals.

To all who knew Larry, he was a “jack of all trades,” and could fix just about anything. It was widely known when you had a problem Larry had a solution. He had many friends, going as far back as elementary school, and always looked forward to a visit with those who he held dear. Larry loved the sport of ice hockey, which he played as a young man. And, in later years, he was the President of the Hockey Referees Association, working part-time as referee at both semi-pro and intramural hockey games. As if being a salesman and a hockey ref weren’t enough, Larry also was the owner and manager of several rental properties, which he maintained himself.

In 1981, Larry met the beautiful Pat Hauser at “The Fireside” club, kicking off a 9-year romance before marrying Pat in 1990. Along with his new wife, Larry also became stepdad to four children. With grace and patience, he attended birthdays, high school/college graduations, and weddings, taking his place amid a very robust and growing clan. He was Poppy or Grandpa Larry to 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. During their 33-year marriage, Pat and Larry loved to travel and visited many places both here in the US and overseas. Of all the destinations, Bermuda was his favorite.

Larry is predeceased by his mother and father and two brothers Mike and Jeff. He is survived by his wife Pat of Greensboro, brother Steve and wife Cindy of Climax, stepsons Michael Lewis of Rutherfordton and Walter Lewis of Cary, stepdaughters Susan Parlier and Laura Beaman both of Greensboro, and sister-in-law, Beverly Fields of Climax. Larry, our wonderful husband, brother, stepdad, and grandfather will be greatly missed; there is no one like him.

The family will hold a celebration of Larry’s life on January 6 from 4 pm-6 pm at the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 501 Mendenhall Street, Greensboro. All are welcome to a time of sharing memories of Larry and what he meant to them. In lieu of flowers you may honor Larry by donating to The Alzheimer’s Association (www.ALZ.org).