Larry Eavey

1947 - 2025

Larry Stephen Eavey, 78, of Henrico, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2025. Born January 28, 1947, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Larry was the son of George Eavey and Myrtle Lee.

He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High, class of '641/2. After high school, Larry answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Okinawa and Pleiku, Vietnam, and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Following his military service, Larry attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He built a career at Bear Island Paper Company in Doswell, Virginia, retiring in 1999. Never one to sit still, he continued working part-time with Harwood and Associates preparing taxes, and served faithfully with the Virginia General Assembly for 25 years, completing his final legislative session in February 2025.

Larry was an avid hiker and enjoyed walking. Whether in the mountains hiking the Appalachian Trail, or walking the neighborhood streets of Chamberlayne Farms, he was quick and steady on his feet. He organized hikes with friends and volunteered with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. His passion for walking led him to complete a marathon in Alaska, raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Larry's heart for service to others was evident in all he did. He enjoyed sharing his thoughts through Letters to the Editor, always striving to offer helpful insights and a common sense point of view. He lent his hands and heart to Baptist Disaster Relief, serving those impacted by Hurricane Katrina and many other disaster areas, with compassion and care. If you needed a hand to lift you up, a kind word, or a hot meal to warm your soul, Larry was there.

His love for soccer was lifelong and multifaceted; coaching, refereeing, and eventually leading the Central Virginia Soccer League's referee program. He was a devoted fan of the game. Larry also loved good food, especially BBQ. He enjoyed sharing his culinary opinions on social media and Yelp, earning him the affectionate title of amateur food critic.

A man of deep faith, Larry was a deacon and devoted church member of Cool Spring Baptist Church in Mechanicsville. He was class leader of his Sunday School class, and served in numerous volunteer roles. He further enjoyed and participated in multiple men's Bible study groups. Larry was a true friend to all. His kindhearted spirit was unique; and he truly appreciated even the simplest things. In his later years, his yard work brought him tremendous joy. His grass was truly the greenest on any side.

Above all, Larry loved his Martha, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. His life was a testament to his faith and character. He lived with quiet strength, humility, and a deep sense of purpose; an example to all those who knew him.

Larry is survived by his wife, Martha; his children; Jennifer Oprison and Patrick Eavey (Jamie); and eight grandchildren: Charlie, JP, Emma, Sophia, and George Oprison; and Raleigh, Ryan, and Emme Eavey. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Mary Lilley and Alice Moscoffian; and brothers Gerald and George Eavey.

Larry's legacy of service, kindness, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. A celebration of his life will be held in October.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 12, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Cool Spring Baptist Church, 9283 Atlee Station Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, with reception to follow.

In Lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in Larry's name to Diaster Relief @ https://impactmissionsmovement.org/ or Cool Spring Baptist Church @ https://coolspring.org/give/ (other).