Larry Coleman Earle

Larry C. Earle Obituary

Larry Coleman Earle, age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 24, 2026 under the guiding care of the wonderful team at Gordon Hospice House. Born and raised in Statesville, Larry was the last surviving child of John Brown “Red” Earle and Ruby Earle. Born two months premature in 1943, Larry was the consummate survivor. He served honorably in the navy and worked throughout his life before retiring from Walmart. Everyone who encountered Larry knew him to be a jolly soul, always looking to leave those around him with a smile. He was an active member of the Men’s Bible Class at First Presbyterian in Statesville, serving as the Club’s Secretary for a time. He rooted hard for the UNC Tarheels, especially in basketball, and almost equally as hard against the Duke Blue Devils. He rarely went anywhere without a Carolina blue shirt or jacket. He also loved to take apart and (mostly) put back together complicated electronic devices. His long-time friend, Billy Webb, recalled the time Larry purchased and assembled for his mom a color TV, with many pages of complex instructions and zillions of small parts. The TV worked perfectly and was a fixture in their home for many years. Larry also had a passion for HAM amateur radio, constructing a large antenna in the back of his home on Ridgeway Avenue and spending his evenings speaking to fellow HAM operators as far away as Germany and Australia. He had life-long friends from his days growing up on Ridgeway, including Billy, Allen Brawley, and Mac McCombs. Mac recalled the time the three of them would sleep out in Larry’s backyard to watch Sputnik fly overhead, and when they made hot air balloons in Larry’s basement using balloons, a Coke bottle, Clorox and small pieces of aluminum clothesline wire. A special thanks to Pam, who made sure Larry’s final year was a comfortable one in his own apartment, surrounded by his puzzles, projects, and cowboy movies. Larry is survived by his nephews, Bruce and Craig McClaughlin, his nephew and his wife Jim and Kris Earle, and their families, including his grand nephews and niece, Graeme, Ansley, and Joshua Earle, who fondly remember the lively games of chess and the Christmas when Larry came down the stairs dressed as (and looking very much like) Santa. He will be missed.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday September 1, 2026 from 9:30 am till 10:30 am at Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville following a graveside service at 11:00 am at Oakwood Cemetery, Statesville.

Memorials may be made to the 1st Presbyterian Church Men’s Bible Class. By clicking the link below.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the Earle Family.