Larry Lee Hehl

Larry Lee Hehl 85, husband of Delores Russow Hehl, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Larry was born on August 27, 1940 in Monroe, Michigan to Goldie and Arnold Hehl. His love for hunting and fishing started at an early age and his favorite days were when his Grandpa Gerber would surprise him at the bus stop in the mornings to take him fishing instead of school. After all, "God made the earth 70% water, so he intended us to spend 70% of our time fishing." His high school legacy was taking two dates to the same dance (but when you look like Buddy Holly, you can get way with that) and burning "M 58" in six-foot letters on the school lawn when he graduated Monroe High in 1958.

He met the love of his life, Delores, one summer at a "court dance." They married in January 1965 and spent the next 60 years building a wonderful life filled with family, friends, laughter, and travel. His two daughters, Leigh and Christine, inherited their dad's quick wit and sharp sense of humor, and also his love of life. They will always cherish their vacations at North Litchfield where he taught them to shag on the beach, and summers on Lake Greenwood where he taught them to water ski. He also taught them that no matter what life brings you "the next train still leaves at 6:05." The door was always open for their many friends to drop in where you would probably hear Willie Nelson, the Eagles, or the Kingston Trio playing in the background while Larry poured you a glass of scotch or wine. Larry had an outgoing personality, always telling stories and making jokes. When he walked in the room, you knew it was going to be a good time. (And if there were cards involved, you also knew you were most likely going to lose.)

Larry wasn't just fun, he was incredibly smart, successful, and well respected professionally. He was one of the longest employees with Kemet Electronics, where he worked from when he graduated Furman University until retirement, serving in various roles and locations. One of his favorite positions was International Product Manager where he traveled frequently to Italy, Scotland, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In 1981, Kemet promoted him to Plant Manager and relocated him to Greenwood, which the family instantly loved and made their forever home. The friendships they made and the life they built here meant the world to them. Larry was very involved in the community that he loved and gave back by serving and volunteering in many charities and organizations, which included serving as the President of the Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Lander Foundation. He was also a charter member of the board of the Burton Center Foundation to name a few.

Larry had many hobbies, his favorites being golf, elk hunting, fly fishing, and precision shooting. He shared his love for all of these with his three grandchildren, teaching them everything from target shooting and reloading ammo to driving lessons in the golf cart. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and always made time for their visits (they called staying with him Camp Baba). He was the absolute best Grandpa/Baba ever. He was also a proud Furman Paladin, and was thrilled when both of his girls followed in his footsteps. He was one of the smartest people we knew and not only answered all the questions on Jeopardy (which he and Dee watched every night), he also had the family distinction of once winning a Trivial Pursuit game by answering all of the questions and getting every "pie" in ONE single turn. Above all, he was a great and loyal friend to many, an amazing husband, and to his family- he was larger than life and his personality and passions will live on through his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Delores, his daughter Leigh and son-in-law Barney, daughter Christine and son-in-law Brian, and grandchildren Adam, Ben, and Anna Kate, and Brian's son Parker.

Services will be Saturday, September 27 at Blyth Funeral. The family will receive visitors at 10 followed by a service at 11.

In lieu of flowers, Larry would have wanted donations to be made to the Burton Center.