Anthony Larimore Guenther

1937 - 2025

Anthony Larimore Guenther

December 15, 1937 - March 13, 2025

Larry Guenther, age 87, passed away peacefully while under hospice care on Thursday, March 13, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Linda Ryder, DVM. He was born in Kingsport, TN on 12/15/1937.

He is survived by his son James Guenther ( Carol) of Bartlett, TN and son Reid Guenther (Erina) of New York City; grandfather to Elise and Gianna Guenther and to Alexander Guenther of Austin, TX . Granddaughter's of James and Carol, Emily Wambles Guenther ( Joshua) and Sarah Guenther of Murfressboro, TN and great grandchildren, Tenley Ann and Jameson Neil of Murfressboro, TN. Niece, Elizabeth Christopher ( Vincent Scarlata) and daughter Jacqueline of San Francisco.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held in The Robins Room at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on 4/18/25 from 1 to 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Purring Hearts Virginia.

Larry was an avid educator and taught as a full professor of Sociology at The College of William and Mary. He received his BA at Vanderbilt University, his MA in sociology at Northwestern, and his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1972. His professional activity was in the field of Criminology, Deviant Behavior and Social Control, and research methodology. From his experience as a Research Consultant Division of Forensic Programs at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C. from 1977 until 1981, Larry published his book "Criminal Behavior and Social Systems, Contributions of American Sociology.

He obtained his Ham radio license at age 13 and stayed on the air until his early 80's. His Ham calls were w4ujt and w4fcu the later is now Linda's license plate number in memory of Larry.

Larry enjoyed boating, a love he shared with Linda. They powered and sailed locally in the Northern Neck and kept their boat in a marina off the Piankatank River, a 30 foot 1987 Erikson sailboat which they lovingly restored.

Larry 's love of animals brought him with his Golden Retriever, Stellazine, to the veterinary hospital in Williamsburg where he met Linda. While conveniently married to a veterinarian, they enjoyed 30 years of Golden Retrievers and several cats.

Larry never met a stranger and always had a gracious smile, Carolina blue eyes, and a head of hair men his age envied. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him.