LARRY HAMBLEN Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Morning News (Florence, SC).
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Flightschool DC-3 1972
Robert Lewis
May 19, 2016
We are just 1 month before the 6th year remembrance of Larrys graduation. I remember that time well. During the very same week Larry was losing the battle with sickness in Charleston, I was getting an extension of life at the hospital near us in Leipzig, Germany through heart bypass surgery. Wanda had been hesitant to let me know about Larrys true condition, due to the seriousness of my own hospitalization.
Larry and I met, and were then roommates for a time, during flight school in Florida. That was in 1971 - 1973. He was truly an uncomplicated, kind-hearted person. His exceptional pilot skills and judgements were already becoming evident even then. The rest of us students took notice!
Sometime later in the 70s, we got together in Charlotte, NC. for dinner. I believe that that was the first time I met Wanda. We then met a couple of times in the early 80s in Houston, as my corporate flying job took me there occasionally for recurrent training at Flight Safetys simulator facility. I was not stateside much in the 90s, as I had left aviation in 1989 to be involved in missionary work in the former East Germany, where I have lived ever since. It was here that I found a wife, and have been married now 17 years.
It was on a trip back to North Carolina some years ago to visit family that my wife and I got to be with Larry and Wanda after their move to Myrtle Beach. We had just one day together, but I got him to share a few war stories of his flying experiences. His story of an iced-over Navajo landing in Detroit with the elevator frozen tight; I wont forget. I am quite sure that there was no one more capable of dealing with such an emergency than Larry. As someone has already said, he was truly a pilots pilot.
So, I had not seen Larry for maybe 25 years before that visit in Myrtle Beach, and certainly did not have any idea that that would be our last visit together.
I have Wanda to thank for keeping the communication lines alive over the decades; at first with occasional letters, and then with a few emails. She kept me up-to-date not only with info about Larry and his flying situation, but, so importantly, about their own life and relationship together; and, really neat, in that style of expression that is so unique, open and individual to Wanda.
Through all the years, I got to know Larry so much more completely through Wanda. I could understand their own relationship, and it made me so happy that she could sense that someway. It made discussion free and easy. She knew, too, that I truly loved Larry, and cared for him immensly. We enjoyed sharing with each other so much of spiritual things, and how all of that relates and includes everything. And, though not as expressive as Wanda, I think that Larry too had a real idea about stuff important. That means a lot to me this very day.
Although few and far between, these sporatic handfulls of life involving Larry and Wanda have, nevertheless, been a huge part of my journey along the way. I am very thankful in all ways for all of the connected influences and experiences. Many lives have been well blessed by knowing them.
Ok, buddy, rest well. Deeply love and miss ya man.
Robby Lewis
Chemnitz, Germany
August 5, 2014
It is hard to believe that it has been 4 years since Larry went on to his final reward. Larry- we miss you every day and will forever treasure your kind heart and easy manner.
herb Hamblen
August 4, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 2, 2013
I still miss you Larry very much and think of you every day. I see you in every airliner that goes over my house. We will meet again.
Love, Jimmy your brother.
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Fly High Dear Larry!
Letha Rodman Melchior
October 21, 2012
My Dear Friend Wanda!
How I have missed you and Larry and the times we had together in Texas. Larry was the perfect match for you, he was such a caring man. I can not imagine what it must be like for you to be with out him. Wanda you have been through so much, it is just terrible you have been separated from your life long love. But you are one lucky gal, you are one of the few people out there that have had a wonderful man to stand by you, and to love you for so many years and to have had such supporting partner in a crazy world full of the good and the bad.
You are both very loved people, and I know the Larry will never leave your side.
I love you and am so happy to be reunited with you in the memory of Larry.
Wanda, you are an unforgettable person, and I'm glad to have found you again. I look forward to coming for a vist with you very soon!
Much love to you and to sweet Larry.
Letha
Carol Holst
March 29, 2011
I had the privilege of meeting Larry near Houston, Texas at a Kurland Street Band gig or two. He was a nice person. Wanda, I know you miss him terribly and we think of you often. Love you.
Paul Bonderski
August 5, 2010
When I recently spoke with you in Atlanta, you said nothing about the Westbound check you were about to take. Gods speed till we meet again my friend.
Kenny Rodgers
August 5, 2010
Wanda,
I met Larry during my simulator training this past year for Omni. I immediately liked him for his personality and how he trained. He set a great example of how training should be done. Thank you for your letter to the Omni employees to let us know where the guest book was located. I apologize for not being able to attend Larry's funeral as I was on the road. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Larry will greatly missed by everyone.
Luther Johnson
July 20, 2010
Wanda,
I'm so glad you called yet sad to hear my old flying buddy had passed away. Larry and I were sim partners and room mates during our time at Braniff.
Two guys of the same age, born in the same city with father's retired from Eastern Airlines not to mention we married South Carolina girls. You just can't help but like the guy!
I have great memories of Larry and our time in Kansas City and I will truly miss him. My prayers are with you Wanda.
Jim Hamblen
July 14, 2010
Larry's favorite WWII fighter
Jim Hamblen
July 14, 2010
Jimmy Hamblen
July 14, 2010
Words spoken at Larry's funeral:
Thank you very much for being here to honor and remember Larry Alan Hamblen my brother. I would like to share some of my memories of Larry as well as thank those who have showed their love towards Larry over the years and especially this last month of his life.
Caring for others, a passion for flying and love of friends and family are qualities Larry showed throughout his life. He was jealous of me when I soloed at 17 but he soon surpassed me in flying. I only flew with him in a Piper Cherokee a few times but I knew he had the gift of being a great pilot. His Father an Eastern Air Lines Captain was an inspiration to him with his flying career.
I admit to being a typical big brother and picking on him more than I would like to admit. I once even broke a knuckle on his head which sent me to the hospital. When he started to fight back that all came to a halt. But we did not fight all the time, we went fishing and hunting together and I helped take care of the Shetland ponies that he competed in horse shows with. When I went in the Army and he went to college we did not see as much of each other until later on. Thereafter we would get together and he would play with my children as if they were his own.
We went fishing on his boat in Houston and touring the North Georgia mountains with my family. We also enjoyed the days in Myrtle Beach at their home there. I wish there had been more of those days the last few years.
Larry took care of Wanda diligently when she was in the hospital. He showed his devotion and caring then and throughout their marriage. Wanda in turn has spent the last 3 weeks in Larry's hospital room or worse in the ICU waiting room every day and night, I thank her for that. I also thank Ellwood and his wife, Jim Hammond and Wanda's sisters, my brothers and wife along with all the others who visited Larry during his time of need. Also much appreciated were all the phone calls he got. I'm sure it meant the world to him, I could see it in his face. I also want to thank my parents for raising such a fine man. God bless you all.
Larry was the pilot's pilot. Test pilots like Deke Slayton, a Mercury 7 astronaut respected him and was his friend. He flew into war zones in Bosnia, Iraq and other countries delivering troops. He once had the enemy coming up on a primitive airstrip in Bosnia and the army troops hid until Larry's 757 was turned around and ready to take them on. Two weeks ago Larry's professionalism again showed thru when he was discussing a mistake that one of his company's pilots had made. I had tried to make excuses for that mistake since that pilot had been flying Lear Jets instead of heavy aircraft. He said that flying airliners has to be done by the book. The look in his eye told me all I needed to know about Larry as a pilot. That's why they made him the stimulator instructor this last year.
Larry was a one of a kind and I am honored to have been his brother. May he fly the skies of heaven forever with his loved ones and friends.
Dianne and Elwood Anderson
July 13, 2010
Wanda, You know that our hearts are broken over Larry. God truly has a wonderful pilot in Heaven with him now. I am happy that Elwood and I could call you and Larry our friends; you are and have been so special to both of us.
I hope for all of us, but especially you, healing from your pain of losing your Mate, comfort in knowing how many people loved and admired Larry, and Peace that surpasses all understanding. I've never seen a stronger determination in you than what I saw by Larry's bedside. You are a remarkable woman, and a dear friend to me.
Thank God Larry had you by his side.
We love you, Girl.
Dianne and Elwood Anderson
Adrienne Woodworth
July 9, 2010
Wanda,
I read a poem today that I thought I should share with you. Talk to you soon...
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put his arms around you and whispered "come to me". With tearful eyes I watched you... and saw you pass away. Although I loved you dearly, I would not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating...hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me that... He only takes the BEST.
Robert & Susan Hamblen
July 9, 2010
Dear Wanda,
Larry was my older brother, protector as a child, mentor as a man and as a pilot. His friend's and family's great loss and our comments here are testimony of Larry's character and worth, his good humor, his genuinely unassuming attitude, and his big heart. I am grateful that Larry had such friends as these, . . and a wife such as you. Our prayers and support go out to you with love. May we all have Larry on our Jump-seats, looking over our shoulders, and may you take comfort, in knowing that Larry's life was full, very full, and complete, . . with you by his side. God bless you.
July 7, 2010
Rosemary Petreccia
July 5, 2010
Wanda, There are little words to express the deep hurt that you must be feeling now. I am so sorry that I could not get to S.C. to be there for you. Even though I never met Larry, I remember the light in your face when you spoke of him at our class reunion, and that itself spoke volumes about the love you both had for each other. I pray that you will be able to remember that love and it will serve to strenthen you through these difficult days ahead. I miss you and will keep you in my prayers.
Rosemary Petreccia
Ed Price
July 4, 2010
Our Deepest condolences to the Hamblen Family. I had the pleasure of meeting and flying with Larry, and he was an absolute gentleman. He struck me as humble, professional and very competent as an airline Captain. I only saw him twice more in passing, and wish that I had gotten to know him better. His impression on me was a lasting one, and I prayed for him to get better once he was hospitalized. I was saddened to learn of his passing, and will remember him with great respect. I'm very sorry for your loss.
With Deep Regret,
Ed, Michelle, Ian & Rachel Price
Los Angeles,CA,USA
ATA Boeing 757
David Barnum
July 4, 2010
Dear Wanda,
I am so glad that I could speak to you. I knew Larry since 1994. He was always one of the most impressive pilots I knew at ATA, cool, confident, easy going and a gentleman far beyond his years.
I was so happy to see him at Omni and renew our working relationship. I worked with him in the SIM in May. He gave me some wonderful B757 study material.
We have all lost a dear friend, and you have lost your soul mate. We are all here for you now. I know that Larry is with the Father.
Please contact me if there is anything I can do for you.
David C. Barnum
[email protected]
847-727-2446
Barbara Streett
July 4, 2010
Wanda,
I am truly sorry for your loss....I never had the pleasure of meeting Larry but I can see how special he was by reading some of the remarks posted. I will be up to see you soon, please know you are in my prayers.
Love
Barbara Lyn
Casey, Jack, Holly & Jon Wilkinson
July 3, 2010
Dear Wanda,
I am terribly saddened to hear about Uncle Larry. Growing up, I always looked forward to seeing you and Larry when we headed south. His personality and demeanor were such that I couldn't help but respect and admire him.
There is nothing I can say that would take away the hurt but know that you are in our thoughts.
Barbie Gregory
July 2, 2010
Wanda, I am so terribly sorry to hear about your loss of Larry. Liston just told me on the phone tonight or I would have been there for you. We have sort of lost track with each other this last year and I am really sorry about that. There have been so many changes in your life and mine in the past year that we just haven't kept in touch. I am now living in Clinton, TN, have divorced and remarried. I have a wonderful, loving, kind husband now and his name is John Gregory. Please when you have time and feel up to it, send me an e-mail or call me. Once again, I am so hurt for you. Love, Barbie Weatherly Gregory (e-mail still under [email protected]) or 865-399-2104.
Jim Hoban
July 2, 2010
Wanda, Judy and I are so sad at the loss of our friend. Larry was a great example of what a Captain should be and a Mentor to many. We will miss him deeply until we meet again.
July 2, 2010
Wanda,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It is difficult to lose your husband at any time but indeed God has a master plan for all of us. You were fortunate to have your husband for those many years and you will always have beautiful memories.
I am a Huggins from Timmonmsville and knew your family very well. My brother is Jim "Bubba" Huggins.
Frances Huggins McLaughlin
Faith Vilas
July 2, 2010
Wanda, Larry and I are so sad to hear of this news. Know that you are in our prayers.
Faith Vilas
Adrienne Woodworth
June 30, 2010
Wanda,
My heart is breaking for you, but at the same time I know you are a strong woman. Just as I said to Larry the day before he passed, I'm saying to you... Don't give up and we love you! I have faith that you will continue to be the wonderful woman that you are and one day you and all of us that loved Larry will one day see him again. He was a good man. He was one of "my boys" and it was an honor to have him as one of my simulator instructors. As many have said, I never heard a negative word out of his mouth. I hope to live as he did. I know that he cherished you. I love you and Larry, and I hope you always know that I am here for you.
Mary Anne Cook
June 30, 2010
Wanda,
I was shocked when I read about your husband.
I only met him once with you when we stopped to see the cats at the end of the beach.
You and I have talked some times.
I have so sorry. When you return I will be happy for you to come by my house and talk. I live at 328 58th Ave, House Captain Cook and Crew.
Omni Air International
June 30, 2010
We are deeply saddened by this loss, but greatly blessed that we had such a wonderful friend and colleague. Larry fly high!
Liz Wilkinson
June 29, 2010
Aunt Wan, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have some great memories of Uncle Larry to carry in heart--funny, happy moments that can't help but make me smile. Much love to you in this tough time and always.
Love, Liz
June 29, 2010
Dear Wanda; I wanted to get to see you through this but I had all my grandchildren visiting. This time two years ago, Saturday, June 26 I lost my husband of 44 years (Kenneth) and it was a raw time I had deliberately filled. Of course, this really made me be with you in mind and spirit. Suddenly loosing your husband of so many years is such a trauma. I know you didn't realize the time thing here. I love you and am so thinking of you. I know this is too soon to say this, but there is life again. It doesn't take away the pain, but does make it easier to bear.
Julie Weatherly Weaver Turner
Jimmie Ketchey, Janice, Darlene & La Vonne
June 29, 2010
Dear Wanda,
It broke our hearts to hear that Larry was gone. He was such a gentle person, and we will always cherish the time we had with you and Larry. You were such wonderful and thoughtful neighbors here in Seabrook, always checking in on Mom to make sure she was ok. Larry was a wonderful person and he will be sorely missed. Lean on God and he will help you heal. You know we love you, and our prayers are with you always. Love,
June 29, 2010
Wanda:
I had the pleasure of hiring your husband
many years ago at ATA. He was just the greatest---the cat's meow so to speak.
Melissa and I are so very sorry for your loss. We will miss him
Rick & Melissa Rowe
June 29, 2010
Dear Wanda,
We both knew and worked with Larry at ATA and are so sorry to hear of his passing. There was no finer gentleman or pilot than he. You have our deepest sympathies.
Scott and Lisa Martin
Alan Jones
June 29, 2010
Wanda,
Larry was a good friend, and a true inspiration to all of us who worked with him. I will miss him.
God Bless,
Darlene Girouard
June 29, 2010
Wanda,
My deepest sympathy to you. I never met your beloved husband Larry, but I feel I know him after listening to my mother, Jimmie K. After reading the other messages that have been left, Larry had to have been an awesome individual. May your heart soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Remembering you in prayer.
June 29, 2010
Wanda,
I am so sorry that I was not there to talk to you on Sunday when you called. You and Larry's family are in our thoughts and prayers. It is so hard to lose a family member suddenly, but God has a plan for all of us. We may not understand why, but God does. We love you, Wanda.
Billy, Cheryl, Will, Amy and Robbie
Brian Newhart
June 29, 2010
Dear Wanda,
Patti and I were so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We love you both. You were both such an important part of our lives in Texas. Probably the best times of our memories.
With all our love.
Brian and Patti Newhart
Storer and Diane Ware
June 29, 2010
It is truly sad to hear of Larry's passing. Seems like only yesterday that we talked of the move to South Carolina.
His steadfast, calm and professional demeanor touched many people and will be missed.
God bless.
Alison & Michael Clinkscales
June 29, 2010
Dear Aunt Wanda,
We love you and we love Larry. What a wonderful uncle he was to us and to our children. God's blessings on you and the family. Love,
Alison, Michael, Bryce & Abby
Carlton Tucker
June 28, 2010
Dear Wanda,
Wanda you have my sympathy in the passing of your husband Larry. I know Larry legacy will always live in your heart and in the hearts of the many souls he touched for the Kingdom of God. Larry will be missing by many, but remember God will comfort you when there is no one else around. Deuteronomy 31:8 “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed,” and Matthew 11:28-29 tell us “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” May God bless you and my prayers are with you and your family.
June 28, 2010
Dear Wanda,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Larry's passing. We always had a great time flying. I hope God will fill the void in your heart. God Bless. Bruce
Fred and Mary Ann Russell
June 28, 2010
Wanda, Mary Ann and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Larry. He was a true professional in the cockpit and, more importantly, in life. He was an inspiration to all that knew him and he will be missed by all he touched.
You have our sincere and deepest sympathy.
June 28, 2010
Wanda,
I am so sorry to hear about Larry, you and the family are in our hearts and prayers.
Love and hugs
Kay and Mike Criswell
Dot Kusik Keller
June 28, 2010
Dear, Dear Wanda......
My heart goes out to you! May God Bless you as you face the oncoming days, weeks, months . . . years!! Much Love to you.
Fred Bettis
June 28, 2010
I often search the Florence Morning News for information about events and people in Florence where we lived for 12 years. We were shocked and saddened to see the account of Larry's passing. He was such an integral part of the good times we had as part of the Air Carolina/Atlantis family when we were all working and waiting for the "big" break to get on with a major airline.
Larry was the epitome of integrity and professionalism and it was a privilege to know him and fly with him. We pray that Wanda and his parents and brothers will cherish the fact that he made many friends and when we recall the good times and good people that Larry will be at the top of the list.
Amy Buehler
June 28, 2010
Dear Wanda,
I am so sorry to hear this news. You're a precious person and God will give you the strength to take each day as it comes. I've let my Dad know and he was sorry as well. You'll be in my prayers. God bless you~
June 28, 2010
Wanda: Please know how much I thought of Larry. If I could remake
my own person, I would use Larry as my model. Very few people in my life have impressed me as Larry did. What a wonderful individual!
You are in our prayers.
Love, Charlie & Linda Boswell
Jeff Smith
June 28, 2010
Wanda - Larry and I only shared the flightdeck of the 757 a few times, but I will always remember him as a professional. He was kind, soft spoken and a true friend. He touched many lives. Leslie and I send our heart-felt sympathy. God bless and be with you.
Jeff and Leslie Smith, Cary, NC (Anchorage, AK)
Jim Miller
June 28, 2010
I am very much saddened by the passing of Larry. You have my deepest sympathy. I truly enjoyed his company both on the flight deck and on the ground. He was a true professional and gentleman, and will be dearly missed.
Jim Tyner
June 28, 2010
Wanda, I am just heartbroken over the news that Larry is gone. I have so many fond memories of you both from our days back at Air Carolina. The basics of aviation are what we rely on our whole careers to see us through the tough spots...Larry taught those basics to me. I could never repay the debt I owe him. He had the best instincts of any pilot I have ever seen.
I will always be grateful that he took the time to share his wisdom, skill, and knowledge with an 18 year old kid from Florence, South Carolina... and make an airline pilot out of him. You have my deepest sympathies. Sincerely, Jim Tyner
Marjorie Sparks Therrell
June 28, 2010
Wanda, I am holding you in my heart. Larry was a wonderful person and I know you will miss him terribly. I do know that only time and your wonderful memories will help during this time. I love you. God bless.
Evelyn Williams
June 28, 2010
Wanda---whereas I personally did not know Larry, I felt that I did tho because of all of the wonderful and funny things that I heard from you about him. May he rest in peace. May God continue to show you love and strength. When you return to Houston, please let me know. Much Love Wanda, God bless ya.
Vanessa Hearne
June 28, 2010
Wanda, I am so sorry to hear about Larry (Omar). Will keep you in my prayers. You have my deepest sympathy during this time.
Judy McQueen
June 28, 2010
Deepest sympathy.
Renee White Roberts
June 28, 2010
I have many fond memories of Larry. He was a good husband. God will take care of you , Wanda.
Mary Huggins
June 28, 2010
Wanda,
My heart goes out to you and all those who loved Larry. He was such a good man, and I could see how much he loved you. You will be in my prayers. Much love, Mary Jordan Huggins
June 27, 2010
So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I only knew him a short time, through my sister-in-law, Dianne Anderson. He and Wanda seemed to having a very loving marriage. My heart goes out to Wanda and all his family. Deepest sympathy, Joyce and Bobby Hill
Jim Hamblen
June 27, 2010
Larry Hamblen was my beloved little brother. He fought a tough fight to live for the last 4 weeks but it was not to be. I will always remember him for his kindness which he expressed to the end in his concern for my visits and Wanda's never ending staying with him. He was the professional pilot that others only dream of becoming. I will miss him greatly as many others will. I love you Larry and may you rest in peace.
Frank Laxton
June 27, 2010
Wanda, There is such a sadness in our hearts for the sudden illness and death of our very special cousin. With our Love and Prayers, Frankie and Linda
Bryan Snoddy
June 27, 2010
Dear Wanda,
My prayers are with you and Larry. Larry and I flew and instructed for years at ATA and then at Omni. Larry was a fine aviator and good friend. As a pilot you touch many lives, and for the countless number of people that Larry carried in the back of his airplanes, all arrived safely at their destinations. I can think of no finer tribute.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Bryan L. Snoddy
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