Larry Kenneth Harwood, age 86, of Sumter, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.
Born on Sept. 17, 1938, in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of Kenneth and Pauline Harwood. Larry spent his childhood in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, before moving to Mobile, Alabama, in 1952. After graduating from Murphy High School in 1956, he attended Auburn University, graduating in 1964 with a degree in English and journalism. Larry later earned a Master of Public Administration from Golden State University. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force in December 1965 and attended pilot training at Craig AFB, Alabama.
Larry was one of eight graduates selected to fly the F-4 Phantom II and was quickly shipped off to Vietnam, where he flew three tours and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 13 Air Medals for meritorious flight. During his second tour in Vietnam, he met and married Phyllis Harrison, becoming the first American couple to be married at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Throughout their military journey, Larry and Phyllis had four adoring children: Laura, Amy, Jill and Kenneth. They settled in Sumter in 1979, where Larry retired from the Air Force in 1989. He dedicated 24 years and nine months of service to his country in the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel.
As much as Larry loved aviation, his passion was spending time outdoors. He logged countless hours hunting and fishing in the woods, lakes and rivers across South Carolina, Michigan, Alabama and Georgia. Lake Superior Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, specifically Old Woman Lake, was an especially significant place to him. His ability to make friends and share stories of his adventures was truly unique and admirable. He had a gift for remembering every small detail down to the time, place and price. Larry loved meeting people and making new friends along the way, and he made a great effort to foster those relationships over the years.
Larry is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis, and his children: Laura (Dan) Kenady, Amy (Lee) Cline, Jill (Paul) Graham and Kenneth (Heather) Harwood; his nine grandchildren: Gavin (Allison) Cline, Peyton Cline, Lauren (Billy) Weltlin, Jack Graham, Carson Graham, Colin Kenady, Grayson Kenady, Harrison Harwood and Anna Harwood; two great-grandchildren, Madison Cline and Emelia Cline; his sister, Carol (Ralph) Griffith; sister-in-law, Gloria (Jim) Lotz; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home, 515 Miller Road, Sumter.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity in Larry’s honor.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the service.
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