December 8, 1946 – April 12, 2026
Larry Wayne Strother went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 12, 2026. He was 79 years old. Son of the late Dewey Kenard (DK) Strother and Hazel Ennis Strother, Larry was born in Raleigh NC, reared in Fayetteville NC, but called North Topsail Beach NC home.
He graduated from Seventy First High School in Fayetteville, Class of 1964. While in high school he was an accomplished athlete, participating in football, basketball and track. He developed early leadership skills as a Key Club member and led his classmates by serving as Junior Class Vice-President and Senior Class President.
Larry attended East Carolina University and Methodist College but felt a calling to serve his country during the Vietnam War and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Larry proudly served his country beginning in 1965 and was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1970. During his service, he was the recipient of numerous Marine Corps Merit Awards and Medals. The Department of the Navy also awarded him the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” for Meritorious Service.
Following his military service, Larry returned to Fayetteville and enjoyed a successful career, spanning more than 5 decades in the real estate and construction industries. He began building homes in 1972, and expanded into real estate offices, land development, mortgage and title insurance companies in subsequent years. In 1987, Larry was named Realtor of the Year.
As Chairman of ERA Strother, he achieved the highest level of success in the ERA franchise. He was Chairman and President of LWS Homes, Inc, and President of Strother Holdings. Larry served as past President of the Home Builders Association of Fayetteville (HBAF) and was awarded the Pillar of the Industry Award in 2014. In 63 years of the HBAF, only 20 Pillars have been awarded.
Larry was a current Alderman of North Topsail Beach. He was Chairman of the North Topsail Beach Inlet-Sound-Advisory Committee (BISAC) and Vice-Chairman of the Topsail Island Shoreline-Protection-Commission (TISPC). Larry understood the shoreline was more than sand and water – it was the heart of NTB, a source of livelihood, beauty, and connection for generations of residents and visitors alike. He had an unwavering commitment to protecting the shoreline and a profound love for his community.
Larry’s generosity was evident through his philanthropic support of Tunnels To Towers, Folds of Honor, and the ASPCA, just to name a few. He quietly sought out ways to help those who were down on their luck or needed a little support. He was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply, often putting others before himself.
Larry lived every day of his life to the fullest. After marrying his wife, Lori, in 2018, they enjoyed traveling on his boat, making many trips up and down the East Coast and spending time with other great friends made on the docks of the Wilmington Yacht Club. His other hobbies included playing with his faithful Doodle, Dixie Rae and a little golf along the way. He loved the coast of North Carolina, as being near the water was where he felt at peace.
Larry was a faithful member of Snead’s Ferry Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder, Co-Moderator of Outreach Ministry, Adopt-A-Highway Program lead, member of the Security Team and Lead Usher/Greeter. His proudest accomplishment was Project Manager of the SFPC Expansion Plan, which included construction of the new Fellowship Building and renovation of the old Fellowship and classroom building, which was completed in 2025.
Larry sadly leaves behind a loving and devoted wife, Lori A. Strother, and goldendoodle “baby girl” Dixie Rae. Larry found his soulmate in Lori and the years they spent together were the happiest ever for both of them.
He is survived by his sister, Sharon Strother (David Newberry) in Cary NC, and brothers, Michael (Wanda) in Fayetteville NC, Kenneth (Laurie) in Fayetteville NC and Jerry Strother in Pontiac IL.
He also leaves behind two loving sons, Ryan F. Strother of Colorado Springs, CO and Christopher W. Strother (Emily) of Athens, GA. He was blessed by 6 grandchildren, five great grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. He thoroughly enjoyed his role as Grandpa.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 1, from 6PM – 8:30PM. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 11AM. Both services will be held at Snead’s Ferry Presbyterian Church – 776 NC-210, Snead’s Ferry, NC 2846. A private family inurnment will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Building Campaign at Snead’s Ferry Presbyterian Church, PO Box 758 Snead’s Ferry, NC 28460. Larry had agreed to be the Lead on this Project and would be very happy to know he made a difference all the way from Heaven!