WILMINGTON — James Lawrence ‘Larry’ Hiatt Jr., 78, passed away Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Larry was born Jan. 20, 1939, in Wilmington. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Lawrence Hiatt Sr. and Elsie Bellamy Jones Hiatt; and aunt, Mildred (Billie) Jones.
Larry was a member of the New Hanover High School, Class of 1956. His early love of World War II airplanes took him to Marion Institute in Alabama in his hopes of becoming an air force pilot; however, an unfortunate sandlot football injury prevented him from following that dream.
He studied mathematics at N.C. State University and graduated from Wilmington College (UNC-W). Larry taught mathematics at New Hanover High School and at Laney High School, where he was also the golf coach, until he retired in 1990. Larry’s passions were golf and working on cars, especially his 1966 Mustang. As many friends and family will attest, Larry was always willing to help with the turn of a wrench or piece of advice when it came to cars.
He cherished his time of the golf course, usually at Cape Fear Country Club with his large group of friends affectionately known as “The Riff-Raff.” Larry was also a lifetime member of the Carolina Yacht Club and St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church. More recently, he enjoyed his friendships at the Tuesday Morning Club 21.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandra Corbett Hiatt; son, Lawrence III (Mandy); two grandchildren, Corbett and Airlie; brother, Carl Peiffer Hiatt (Vickie); and nephew, Thomas; as well as a large number of friends and family.
A visitation will be held at from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 4, at Andrews Mortuary, Market Street. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5, at St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church followed by a reception in Brown Hall. Burial will follow services in Oakdale Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, or the charity of your choice.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
