Photo courtesy of Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Apr 22, 1945 – Nov 5, 2024
Larry M. Wolfe
April 22, 1945 – November 5, 2024
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.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington, NC. A celebration of life will take place at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Charlotte on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM.
Special Olympics of New Hanover County
929 N Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
University of Oklahoma Foundation—Engineering Dept.
100 W. Timberdell Road
Norman, OK 73019
Lower Cape Fear Life Care
1414 Physicians Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
Please leave condolences for the family, here, on our guestbook.
Read MoreAs the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Denise Hollifield
December 02, 2024 | Charlotte, NC | Friend
Larry was a kind and generous man. He made a big impact on St Andrew’s and on many of our members. We wish we could have been with you today to celebrate your life. I have a viral infection and we were told to stay away from people for a week. I did not want to share my germs so we stayed in Greensboro. Our love and prayer with Paula, Justin and Kevin. Love you!
Norma Dowless
November 18, 2024 | Greensboro, NC | Friend
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We didn't know Larry but we know Kevin and he must be a reflection of his wonderful Dad. So sorry for your loss. Pamela Burlingame and the Colonial Navy of Massachusetts.
Pamela A Burlingame
November 12, 2024
Paula and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Have thought of you so many times and wished we would have stayed in closer touch. Our prayers for Larry and the family are that he is in heaven now, comforted by the Heavenly Father, and all who went before him. He will always be with you, watching over his loving family. Again, so very sorry for your loss. Paula, I have such fond childhood memories of our time together. At your convenience, would love to...
Phyllis Kerran
November 12, 2024 | Piedmont, OK | Friend
Larry’s office was next to mine when I started my new job at R. E. Mason. He helped me in many ways teaching me how to navigate the products, processes, and people. His energy and positive attitude towards everyone and everything was contagious. Our demo room that he created was state of the art and helped us win many projects. Truly a fine man who left behind an example of how to be a great human being. RIP my good friend.
Harry Kelly
November 11, 2024 | Columbia, SC | Coworker
Larry was one of the first people I met at R.E. Mason. He took me under his wing to teach me about not only the pieces and parts, but also the way to work with people and how to help solve problems. He was an excellent mentor and also a good friend. Prayers and and good wishes to his family. You were truly blessed to have been with a good man.
Tommy Patterson
November 11, 2024 | Aiken, SC | Friend
I worked with Larry for 27 years at R.E. Mason Company. He was such a wonderful person and co- worker and I always l loved to hear him tell about his sweet family. He always had that big grin whenever he walked into a room. I know he will truly be missed. My sympathies to Paula and the rest of his family.
Sonnie Keever
Sonnie Keever
November 09, 2024 | Kannapolis, NC | Coworker
We are very sad to lose Larry, but feel he is at peace now. We have very fond memories of the many years we were actively involved with the Wolfe family and treasure that time.
Walter Stikeleather
November 09, 2024 | CHAPIN, SC | Friend
