Larry Allen Williams
1945 - 2023
Larry Allen Williams, 78, of Advance, NC, went to be with the Lord on June 13,
2023.
Larry was born on March 15, 1945, in Richwood, WV, to Ernest Williams and
Loretta Serena Williams. He married the love of his life, Judith Ann Bayless, on
October 16, 1965, and they went on to have three children: Catherine, Matthew
(Matt), and Stephen.
Larry was a talented athlete who played basketball, football, and baseball at
Richwood High School. He played basketball at West Virginia University, briefly,
until he reinjured a torn ACL. Larry obtained his undergraduate degree at Glenville
State and his master’s degree from Marshall University. He coached college
basketball at Marshall University for one year. He then moved his family to
Winston-Salem to coach basketball at Wake Forest University in the 70’s. At
Wake Forest, Larry developed very strong relationships with his players and
recruits. These young men were like sons to him, and he treated them like family.
Larry accepted the head coaching position at UNC-Wilmington but changed his
mind on the drive back home. He knew he needed to focus on his three young
children by giving up the intense travel demands of college basketball.
In 1981, Larry started his own automotive shop equipment business, Southern
Industrial Supply. His wife, Judy worked alongside him. Larry worked very hard to
gain trust and develop relationships with all customers from small independent
shops to large dealer groups across three states. Many of his best friends were
also his customers. Larry’s son, Matt, joined the business in 2001 and continues
to run Southern Industrial with his wife, Andrea. Matt continues the business in
his father’s legacy.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Loretta Williams, his brother-
in-law, Dr. Bill Echols, and his son-in-law, Cy Johnson.
Larry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy; his daughter, Catherine Williams
Johnson of Marietta, GA, and her sons, Garrison (Lauren) and Wyatt; his son Matt
Williams of Advance, NC, (Andrea) and their children, Luke, Gavin, Ava, and Olivia;
and his son, Stephen Williams of Billings, MT, (Michelle) and their daughter,
Savannah. Larry is also survived by his sister, Nancy Echols and his brother, Ernie
Williams (Lynne) and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Larry loved to golf, hunt, and fish. He exercised and stayed active his entire life.
He loved his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family
takes comfort in knowing how much he loved Jesus. We all know we will see him
again in Heaven.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 24, at 2pm at
Hillsdale Church: 5018 US-158, Advance, NC 27006.
Memorial service will follow at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
Hillsdale Church at www.hillsdaleumc.com
or Trellis Supportive Care-Palliative, Hospice, Family Support at
www.trellissupport.org.
My relationship with Larry started professionally with shop equipment. As the years went by be became more like friends. I never felt pressured to make an equipment decision, just his saying “I’ll be here when your ready”. As Matt moved further into the daily operations, Larry would come by the store and visit ( making sure Matt was on top of things I’m sure). He was a good mentor to Matt and his dedication was handed down gently. RIP Larry.
It seems half my childhood was spent at the Williams house. Me and Matt played basketball and so many other activities together starting in middle school. There were many meals at their kitchen table full of laughs. I have so many wonderful memories. Mr. Williams was a wonderful and special person who raised three great kids one who will be my best friend forever. Mr. Williams RIP you will be dearly missed.
Larry Williams was a very honest man who found a way to touch the hearts and lives of so many people in so many different ways.
I have been friends with Matt since 1990 when we first met at UNCC. I am sorry for the entire family’s loss. Msg God comfort all of you during this difficult time and afterwards. Love you all. Scott Roach
A consummate professional, a pillar of the automotive business. One of those guys every liked and spoke highly of. He will be missed. Blessed assurance he will see Jesus. To God alone be the Glory.
Joe Williams
Brave journey “one putt”, see you on the other side….
Crash
Sad news, he will be missed. RIP Larry, my prayers to the families.
I have known Larry and his family all of my life. Larry was a wonderful man, and his family spent time with our family. I’m sorry to to hear about his passing. I know he is enjoying playing the many sports he dearly loved in heaven. I’m sending love and prayers to his family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Ernie, Lynne and the Williams family. May God comfort each of you in a way only he knows how.
So sorry prayers to family.
Larry was a great guy I built a relationship with him and Matt years ago through his business . Alway dependable and a gentleman to talk to and work with. I will truly miss him.
It has been my pleasure to have known Matt since the mid 1990’s and I am very fortunate to have known such a great human being. In the recent years we have had many conversations about the importance of family and how important our fathers molded the men we have become today. Matt, this Sunday, let us remember the father’s we lost, but more importantly let us remember and reflect on the joy they brought to our hearts and life. Love you bubba. Prayers for you and your family.
Will miss Larry one of my best friends. We spent a lot of time together.
Larry will be dearly missed! I enjoyed the time I was fortunate enough to spend with him, truly a blessing. Both he and Matt have forever left a positive mark on my life and I am so grateful to be able to have had Larry as a friend and continue to have Matt!
Love and prayers to the entire family!!
I got the pleasure of meeting Larry about 3 months ago. I sat with him in the retirement home and met his beautiful family. Larry never failed to put a smile on anyone’s face. He was known as “Papa” to those at the facility. He will be dearly missed.
Larry also taught at Richwood High School in WV 1968 -1971 (3 years) before he went to grad school at Marshall. He was our Class of 1971’s class sponsor for at least the last two years, maybe all of them. He was great to us — helped with decorating for the dances and with our money-raising efforts (to pay for the dances), etc. He came to several of our more recent class reunions and had some great stories about things that happened back then. He will be fondly remembered by many.
Larry or “Pots” as he was always called when we were growing was the brother I never had and I was blessed. I always called on his birthday and he said I’d beat his kids calling. Our families lived across the street from each other since we we in 4th grade. When he married Judy it was the best move he ever made. We shared a life long friendship and it was wonderful. Give your Mom a long overdue hug from the Hollifield girls. Love and miss you my friend and brother ❤️
Larry was a gifted athlete in sports at Richwood High School. I was 4 years younger and he was a role model to many of us younger kids. Many guys wanted to be as gifted and talented as he was. More than being a talented athlete, he was a genuine caring person.
He will be missed
Larry and his family lived across the street from our family in Richwood, WVa. Condolences to Larry’s family and my the LORD bless you and keep you close.
My mother worked for the Univ. Of Virginia in later years and looked forward to the basketball games with Wake Forest when Larry coached there.
Condolences to the Williams family. Larry and his folks lived across the street from my family in Richwood, W V. May the LORD bless this family and hold them closely.
My Mother worked for the Univ. Of VA. in her later years and always looked forward to the basketball games between the Cavaliers and Wake Forest when Larry coached there.
Larry, was such a pleasure to work with. Very grateful for the stories he shared about sports, automotive industry and life in general.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Matt, Judy and the entire WIlliams family.
So very sorry to hear of Mr. Williams passing. He was a very dear man who we enjoyed talking to and doing business with for many years. We pray for the Lord’s comfort and grace during this hard time. We know he is safe in the arms of Jesus.
Donna and Mark Hulcher
Performance Automotive Services, Inc.
Larry was a true friend. we talked at least once a week for the last twenty years. If you know Larry you can imagine what we talked about. Family ,God, politics, Golf and getting old sucks. I will miss him.
Ron Hodges
I’m saddened to learn of Larry’s passing. We have had many great conversations over the years and I will truly miss him. Thanks to Larry and Matt for all their support over the years.
Larry was a very kind and fine man! I am proud to have been his friend!!