Rev. Larry W. Sawyer, Sr., 87, died Friday, July 25, 2025, at UNC Health Southeastern, Lumberton, NC, after a brief illness.

A native of Conway, SC, and later Georgetown, SC, Larry graduated from Winyah High School, class of 1956. One of his favorite memories was playing the tuba in the marching band and having the honor, as a senior, to march in a parade in Washington, DC. Following graduation, he attended North Greenville Junior College, Greenville, SC, and graduated in 1958. While a student there, he met the love of his life, Jewel "Page" Maness, and they were married for 64 years.

Completing his college degree was important to Larry but with a growing family and work demands,  it was difficult. After several years of dedication and with Page's support, he was able to achieve his goal, earning a Bachelor of Arts at Carson Newman College in 1969, when his children were 9, 4, and 2 years of age.

Larry felt the call to ministry while a student at North Greenville and then served in Baptist churches over his career: East Park Church, Greenville, SC; Davis Grove Church, Snow Hill, NC; Mt. Nelson Church, Eureka, NC. He then felt called to work with Baptist Children's Homes of NC, beginning a 30-year career devoting his ministry efforts toward the most vulnerable among us. He began serving at Odum Home in Pembroke, NC, then at Mills Home in Thomasville, NC, before returning as Director of Odum Home until his retirement in 2000. During his time at Odum Home and for many years after his retirement he found joy and meaning serving as Pastor to his congregation at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Maxton, NC.

Larry was an Eagle Scout and, as a young adult, worked for Boys Scouts of America as a District Executive and Camp Director at Camp Coker. It was there he developed a love for nature, camping and birdwatching. He and Page spent many enjoyable hours watching, feeding, and identifying birds in their yard together. Larry shared his love of the outdoors with anyone who was interested. He taught his family the joy of camping and the beauty of nature. Most summers included a trip to the mountains and riding the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Larry delighted in being "Poppy" to his children and grandchildren, and he and Page were enthusiastic supporters of their many school, athletic, and dance events. Their faithful presence at family events and milestone celebrations was a blessing to their family.

Larry was preceded in death by Page Sawyer, his loving wife; his parents Woodrow and Clara B. Sawyer; a brother, Jackie Sawyer; and a son-in-law, Ross King.

Larry is survived by his children: Christy Strickland (Johnny), Larry W. Sawyer, Jr. (Julie), and Angela King; grandchildren: Amanda Hunt (Donavon), Allison Branch (Dustin), Andrew Sawyer, and Savannah Sawyer; and great-grandchildren: Grayson Branch, Anna Branch, Kendall Hunt, and Jillian Hunt.

Family and friends will honor Larry's life on Thursday,  July 31, with visitation at 10 a.m. and a Celebration of Life Service at 11 am. at Floyd Mortuary, Lumberton, NC. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 850 Mt. Moriah Rd., Maxton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: First Baptist Church, Lumberton, NC, or Odum Home for Children, Pembroke, NC.