Larry Wilson Woodrow

Dr. Larry Wilson Woodrow, age 88, passed peacefully October 15, 2025 at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Georgia, after a brief illness. Larry was born on September 24, 1937 to Elmer V. and Bertice Carriker Woodrow in Charlotte, NC. Larry was predeceased by his parents; brother Warren Neal Woodrow; and his loving wife of 65 years, Barbara Sellers Woodrow.

Larry’s education path began with his quest to accelerate high school, graduating at age 15. He earned an A.A. Degree at Wingate Junior College, followed by a B.S. Degree in Science Education from then Appalachian Teacher’s College in Boone. After two years of teaching high school chemistry in Charlotte, marrying Barbara and having children, he attended UNC Chapel Hill for M.A./T in Physical Sciences, and Ed. D. in Elementary and Secondary Education, minor in Chemistry. Larry also served part-time in the Air National Guard for 7 years.

Larry returned to Boone with his young family in 1966 as Appalachian State University Faculty in the Dept. of Chemistry, then Teacher Education, later Director of Teacher Corps Project, Professor of Elementary Education, Chair- Dept of Elementary Education, and finally Professor of Curriculum and Instruction.

Larry’s life of faith and service was demonstrated at First Baptist Church, Boone. He taught RA’s and Sunday School, served as Deacon, and was a loyal member of the Chancel Choir. He served with NC Baptists on Mission Disaster Relief (feeding units), traveling to many natural disasters, as well as the Pentagon and The World Trade Center Ground Zero after 9/11. Larry has been an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Boone for 47 years. Habitat for Humanity was dear to his heart where he supervised the building of fifteen homes. Woodrow Street, in the Green Valley area, was named in his honor. Larry also served as Director of The Christian Outreach Center food pantry for 10 years.

Larry enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, and he could build or repair anything. His special interests were motorcycle enduro racing; HVAC licensure, launching Northwestern Solar Heating and Insulation, Inc.; Hamm radio operator; CDL holder; EAA member and Private Pilot, and Civil Air Patrol, Maj. Larry enjoyed the building process of two homebuilt airplanes; a single seat ultralight kit plane “Peapod” and a Sonex 2 seat low wing airplane “Ginger”, and flying was his delight. The name “Peapod” became his moniker among family members.

Cherishing his memory are son Randy (Kimberly) Woodrow, daughter Beverly (Curtis) Carroll, sister Vernessa (Bruce) McGuinness, brother Terry (Donna) Woodrow, sister Karen (Terry) Nance; Grandchildren: Olivia (Micah) Brown, Lindsey (Joey) Sapp, Shane Carroll, Mason Woodrow. Great-Grandchildren: Landon Brown, Caden Brown, Mila Sapp and Wilson Sapp.

Funeral services for Dr. Larry Woodrow will b e conducted Tuesday afternoon, October 21, 2025 at 1 o’clock at First Baptist Church in Boone, officiated by Rev. Humbler. The family will receive friends from noon until 1 o’clock, prior to services, at the church. Graveside services at Mount Lawn will be private.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Boone, 375 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Special thanks to Fresenius Kidney Care, Watauga County home care team, and Ogeechee Area Hospice. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Woodrow family.

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