WILMINGTON — Larry M. Wolfe, formerly of Charlotte, NC, passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 79.
He was born on April 22, 1945, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to James R. and Helen Wolfe. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Oklahoma City, OK, where he spent his formative years. He graduated from Crooked Oak High School in Del City before enrolling at the University of Oklahoma. Larry earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering in June 1968 and later earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1974.
During his time at the University of Oklahoma, Larry was involved in the Air Force ROTC and, upon graduation, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force in June 1968. He was stationed at Moffett Naval Air Station in California, where he worked in the Satellite Test Facility from August 1968 to June 1972.
On January 24, 1970, Larry married Paula Brand of Oklahoma City, creating a “house divided,” as Paula was a graduate of Oklahoma State University.
Larry’s professional career began at Fiber Industries in Salisbury, NC, in 1974. In 1976, the family moved to Charlotte, where Larry worked in Major Engineering for Celanese Corporation. After nearly a decade with Celanese, he was hired by RE Mason Company in Charlotte in 1985. He enjoyed a long and successful career there, retiring after 27 years. Larry was grateful to work in such a professional environment and appreciated being surrounded by a highly qualified and intelligent group of colleagues.
While living in Charlotte, Larry and his family were active members of St. Andrews United Methodist Church. He held many positions at the church and valued the friendship, fellowship, and spiritual guidance it provided.
After retiring and living in Charlotte for 42 years, Larry and Paula moved to Wilmington, NC, to be closer to their oldest son.
Larry was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, and his sister-in-law, Jeannie Wolfe. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Paula; his sons, Justin Wolfe (Missy) of Wilmington, NC, and Kevin Wolfe (Denise) of Somerset, MA; his granddaughters, Marielle, Greenlee, Scarlett, and Clementine; his brother, Dennis Wolfe of Fort Worth, TX; and his brother- and sister-in-law, Dr. Tim and Kathy Moore of Stroud, OK.
Larry was deeply devoted to his family, especially his granddaughters, who were the light of his life. He was a firm believer in lifelong learning, hard work, and education, and instilled these values in his sons. He always emphasized doing things the right way and giving his best effort. A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Larry had a fascination with flight, from space travel to model airplanes. He was also an avid photographer, capturing moments at family events, from the days of slides to the current era of smartphones. Larry was grateful for the many friends, neighbors, and coworkers who enriched his life over the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Larry’s memory to one of the following charities: the University of Oklahoma Foundation—Engineering Department, Special Olympics of New Hanover County, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Mary Rudyk and the staff at the Senior Health Center of Wilmington, as well as the caregivers from Griswold Home Care—Renee, Veda, and Jake. In his final days, Larry was comforted by the compassionate nurses from Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
