William Howard McLarin

1926 - 2025

William Howard McLarin

October 4, 1926 - January 12, 2025

William Howard "Bill" McLarin, went to be with his Lord on January 12, 2025. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Betsy; and by his parents, Howard M. McLarin and Esther Mussaeus McLarin. He is survived by his devoted children, Suzanne Duncan of Shrewsbury, MA, Jean McLarin of Richmond, and John McLarin and his wife, Mandy of Richmond; his grandchildren, Kendall Walker and her husband, John of Newport News, VA, Kelsea Ward and her husband, Brian of Richmond, and Blair McLarin of Charlotte, NC; and his great-grandchildren Noland and Acre Walker and August and Beau Ward.

Howard was born in Brooklyn, NY, and was raised in Mountain Lakes, NJ. After high school he served in the Army Air Corps and then graduated from UVA in 1952. He had long participated in and supported choral choirs, wrestling, track and field events, football and tennis. Of note, he participated in the wrestling tryouts for the 1948 Olympics, he twice competed in the VA state decathlon one at the age of 85, and he competed in and finished the inaugural Richmond Marathon in 1978. Howard retired from Reynolds Metals Co. in 1987 after 33 years. He was a long-time member of the Westwood Club (since 1965), the Ticker Tape Investment Club (original member) and Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was a 57-year member of the Westhampton Masonic Lodge No. 302 where he served as Past Master. He enjoyed time spent with long-time friends, playing tennis, singing in the choir, and outings with the Reynolds Retiree group, the Navy League, and the Romeos. He treasured and enthusiastically shared his love for the mountains of Virginia just outside of Front Royal.

Howard will especially be remembered as a servant of God, as a true gentleman with a kind spirit, and as being filled with generosity, wisdom and ethical principles. He was loving, caring and devoted to his immediate family and friends both in Richmond and the Shenandoah Valley. He is deeply missed but how grateful we are to know that he is in Heaven and reunited with Betsy (Mom, Granny). The family wishes to thank our special "Angels" Milton and Margaret, Sue and Ed, Susan, Eva and most recently Madison, Haleigh and Peggy for their friendship and special care.

A Memorial Service for Howard will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 21st, at River Road United Methodist Church, located at 8800 River Road, Richmond, VA 23229. His burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Masonic Home of Virginia, 4101 Nine Mile Rd, Richmond, VA 23223, or to a special charity of your choosing.