David Raymond LaRoe

Rev. Dr. David R. LaRoe passed away on February 17, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina, at the age of 78. 

A man of deep faith, service, and commitment to community, David’s life was marked by a profound dedication to ministry, military service, and public housing development. Born on August 29, 1947, in Niskayuna, New York, David was the son of Raymond A. and Anita Knop LaRoe. He graduated from Mohonasen High School in Rotterdam, NY in 1965 and went on to earn a B.S. in Marketing Management from Valparaiso University in 1969. That same year, David enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve with the 12th Special Forces Group. Following a period of active duty, he continued his military service with the 19th Special Forces Group in Schenectady, NY. When that unit was decommissioned, he completed his eight years of service with the 11th Special Forces Group at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He became full flash qualified as a Green Beret and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant before receiving an Honorable Discharge on August 8, 1978. David’s spiritual journey began in the Lutheran tradition but evolved through his extensive lay ministry work—particularly within prison ministry—leading him to pursue ordination in the United Methodist Church.

In 1980 he matriculated at Boston University School of Theology where he earned both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree. In 1983 he was ordained as a Deacon and began serving at Glendale United Methodist Church in Everett, Massachusetts. That same year he was also ordained as an Elder. His passion for urban outreach led him to become Executive Director of the Albany United Methodist Society in New York in 1990—a missionary initiative focused on inner-city communities within the Troy Conference. In 1994 David became Pastor of Albany Street United Methodist Church in Schenectady, NY where he continued his mission-driven work. After taking a sabbatical to complete a Certificate in Conflict Mediation from Cornell University’s School of Labor Relations in 1996, he returned to ministry as part-time Pastor at St. James United Methodist Church in Cohoes, NY while also engaging in consulting work with permission from his Bishop.

In 2001 David transitioned into a new phase of service when he joined TCG Development Services as Project Manager in North Charleston, SC. There he oversaw financing and construction management for workforce housing projects that resulted in the creation of 680 residential units throughout North Charleston. In 2010 he joined the North Charleston Housing Authority as Director of Real Estate Development and later served as Acting Executive Director before retiring in 2014.

David was predeceased by his daughter Rebekah A. LaRoe and is survived by several cousins. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to all who continue the work to which he dedicated his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Special Olympics of South Carolina.

Arrangements entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.