George Larry Williams

George Larry Williams, 81, of Suffolk, VA passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side on January 4th, 2026.

Larry was born on December 13, 1944 in Gates County North Carolina to loving parents, Randolph and Purcell Williams.

His parents preceded him in death.

Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Kathy Williams, 3 children; a son, John (Jodi) Williams, daughter, Ashley (Ashley) Williams, and daughter, Lacie (Robert) Gross; seven grandchildren, Wesley (Brooke) Gross, Cole (Maureen) Gross, Wyatt Gross, Lily (John) McCole, Logan Williams, Lola Williams, and Reece Williams; 4 great grandchildren, Brynnlee, Caroline, Evelynne, and Harlee, and his siblings, a brother, Randolph (Rita) Williams Jr, and 2 sisters, Ina Phelps and Dianne (Ronnie) Pruett.

Larry was proud to be from the great state of North Carolina. He was born into a Christian home where his faith grew at a young age and never wavered. He was a member of Middle Swamp Baptist Church in Corapeake, Va.

Larry was proud to be an American and an Army Veteran. He attended East Carolina University as a History major before his country called him to duty. After the Army, he worked in sales. His warm and inviting personality made him a natural salesman and he worked for numerous insurance companies over the years. Later in life, he became a homebuilder in VA and NC. He was a substitute teacher for a short time at Gates County Schools, where he took great pleasure in trying his best to help shape the life of any child under his care. His final career was probably his most beloved; Beach Music Promoter, Organizer of the Virginia Beach Beach Music festival, and Beach Music DJ at WFOS radio.

Larry could best be described in one word: Love. He loved God with all his heart and the love of God shined through him. He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved Bird Hunting, and he loved Beach Music and Shag dancing… And he was LOVED by everyone who knew him. He never met a stranger, but if he did, he would make a friend before he walked away.

Larry took joy in the simple things in life; a phone call from a friend, a visit with his children, Sunday dinners with family, lots of hugs and kisses from his great-grandbabies, a day trip with his wife to a favorite restaurant, the annual gathering with his brother and sisters in the Outer Banks. He loved to tell a story and had many stories to share.

Larry shared his love of beach music both near and far through his radio show “Larry’s Beach Party”, reaching listeners all over the country as well as abroad. Larry and his wife, Kathy, taught Shag Dance lessons all over the tidewater area. He taught shag dancing to hundreds of students (maybe thousands) for a total of 35 years. He brought so many people together through dance, he even helped some find their lifelong partners. On January 20th, 1996, Larry was inducted into the Virginia Shaggers Hall of Fame and in 2004 into the National Living Legends of Shag.

Larry was an avid bird hunter, who shared his love of the sport with many friends and his son and grandsons every chance he got. He spent many cherished hours in the field with his favorite bird dog, Sam. Rarely did he miss his target, often coming home with more birds than anyone wanted to clean.

Larry was a most positive man. If you asked him how he was, he would reply “marvelous and wonderful”…and he was…both marvelous and wonderful. This shined through in everything he did, but especially in his smile, which he shared with everyone. He never passed up a chance to give or receive a hug. He was always ready to lend an ear or offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them. His unconditional love was a rare and special trait.

When you think of him, may it always bring a smile to your face; put a song in your heart and a tap in your toes.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Middle Swamp Baptist Church, 639 Middle Swamp Road, Corapeake, NC, 27926.

A memorial Service celebrating Larry’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Middle Swamp Baptist Church, 639 Middle Swamp Road, Corapeake, NC 27926, with Rev. Burt Pearce officiating. The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com