At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2016, the Lord received back into his kingdom one of his most precious creations, Laurence “Larry” Futch Jr. of Fernandina Beach. He was a man whose earthly being and heavenly spirit embodied a loving and caring individual to all of those around him.
To his wife, Mary, he was the foundation to a 25-year marriage. Larry was a father, mentor and friend to his four children; Laurence III, Patrick and Paul, born in the USA, and Natalie, whom with his wife he adopted and brought to America to join our family. Larry was shy of nature but made sure the machinations of everyday life went smoothly whether at home or work, where he was an information technology lead for Baptist Medical System.
His role as father and husband is what brought him life’s greatest joy. The hugs from his children and the kiss from his wife brought heartfelt tenderness that made you know everything was going to be all right. But his light did not just shine on them.
His parents, Yvonne and Ernest, are also left behind without the hand that was always there to help. He reveled in the Sunday afternoons spent at his parents’ home, where they would enjoy lunch and each other’s company, ensuring all generations enjoyed the fellowship and love of each other.
He is also survived by his younger sister, Phyllis. They lived only a few miles from each other for the greater part of 55 years; that speaks for itself. One of the strongest bonds in life is a sibling’s bond; the care they felt for each other cannot be replaced. The pictures of themselves as happy children who remained happy adults until last week is the story of Phyllis and Larry. Her husband, Stu, became a brother to Larry, and he will miss their 25-year friendship. Sarah, their daughter, grieves yet smiles at the memories of her Uncle Larry and his playful mischievousness that she and her newlywed husband, Javier, now miss. His other brother, Alex, will also grieve the loss.
Born on Feb. 3, 1959, in Jacksonville, the last story to be told is of how he passed from his earthly body allowing his soul to be sheltered by the Lord.
Larry was coming home on his pride and joy, his Harley, Veronica. Washed and polished as it always was, he was driving along Heckscher Drive. He was enjoying the wind in his face, the feel of the ride and power of the machine.
That all ended when some careless driver recklessly pulled in front of him. Now, the only things left are memories and knowing he still speaks to us every day through his spirit. The impact on his family, friends and co-workers, and the lessons he has taught all who were near him will always remain.
May the Lord continue to let the wind run through your hair and the roar of your bike take you to a greater existence. You were a great man and will always be in our hearts.
A visitation will be held on Aug. 17, 2016, at First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, in the main sanctuary at 10 a.m. with a service following at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Bosque Bello Cemetery immediately following.
The family greatly wishes that in lieu of flowers a donation be offered to Holt International (an adoption agency for orphaned and abandoned children), www.holtinternational.org, P.O. Box 2880, Eugene, OR 97402, or 250 Country Club Road, Eugene, OR 97401.
Eternity Funeral Homes and Cremations – Nassau