Larry Harmon Laird
Larry Harmon Laird, 79, of Southern Pines, NC died Monday, March 15, 2010 with his two devoted children by his side.
Larry was born February 21, 1931, in Taylorville, Illinois to Doctor Everett and Evelyn Laird and was raised by his beloved grandmother Cora Oyler Harmon. He graduated from Taylorville High School in 1948 and went on to Shurtleff College in Alton, Illinois for one year before receiving a Congressional Appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated with Distinction in 1953 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
On June 6, 1953, Larry married Marguerite (Peggy) McDonald. He attended the University of Michigan from 1957 to 1959 where he obtained two Master’s Degrees, the first in Instrumentation and the second in Aeronautical Engineering. He spent his entire career in the Air Force with Research and Development of Ballistic Missile Systems and retired in 1974. After retiring he attended Sangamon State University in Springfield, Illinois, and obtained a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. He served as Director of Information Systems for the Illinois Department of Corrections and also operated his own computer consulting service for several years.
Larry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Peggy Laird, of Southern Pines; two children, son, Michael A. Laird and wife, Sandi, of Manassas, VA and daughter, Julia A. Murphy and husband, Bill, of Albany, NY; brother, Lee Laird and wife, Dorothy of Lockhart, TX; nine grandchildren, Meaghan Henderson and husband, Martin, Andrea Laird, Kailin Curtin and husband, Jamey, Erin Biswas and husband, Shouvik, Michael Murphy, Abbie Laird, Grace Murphy, Devin Murphy, and Ethan Laird; three step-grandchildren, John Yackley and wife, Melissa, Sarah Yackley-Ploeger and husband, Jonathan, and Kevin Yackley; two great-grandchildren, Julian and Lola Henderson, with two more on the way; and his loyal canine companion Sophie.
Larry (“Papa”) was raised on a farm in southern Illinois where he was educated in a one room school house. Despite his humble beginnings, he had a courageous and insatiable drive to succeed in all of his life’s endeavors and approached his education, his career, and his family with a devotion that was inspiring to those who knew him. Although soft-spoken and quiet, Papa left an immediate and lasting impression on all those who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path. He was a handsome man with a million dollar smile who had a passion for golf, old movies, breakfast at Mac’s, ham radio, and animals. However, the passion he had for his hobbies could never match the devotion and zeal that he had for his family and at the root of this passion was his wife and soul mate Peg, whom he often referred to as his “bride”. Their love exemplified the beauty that is the bond of marriage and together they created a legacy of 2 children, 12 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren all of whom Papa loved from the depths of his soul. In his later years he reveled in being a part of his family’s life, traveling all over the country to attend their weddings, graduations, and other life events, each time beaming with a sense of pride that could only come from a man who was so devoted to their happiness. He will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to be a part of his life, and his life will forever stand as a model of compassion, generosity and devotion to those he left behind.
The family will receive friends at Boles Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 4. A funeral mass celebrating Larry’s life will be held Monday, April 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church; Monsignor Frank J. Hendrick, celebrant. There will be a reception immediately following the mass at the Elks Club. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry’s name to the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, Class of ’53 Project, 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402, the Animal Advocates of Moore County, P.O. Box 3399, Pinehurst, NC 28374, or the Pope John Paul II Catholic School, 320 N. Ashe Street, Southern Pines, NC 28387.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
March 20th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Peg,
You know how important you and Larry have been in our lives.We feel like you are part of our family.We all have lost a loved one and we miss him too.
March 20th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Dear Peggy, Michael, Julie, and families,
You have my most sincere condolences. I haven’t seen Michael and Julie since I was young, but some of my favorite memories growing up included Peggy and Larry visiting my parents or the Mang family taking a vacation and visiting the Laird’s in Taylorville. I’ll be making a donation to the Animal Advocates in Larry’s memory. Larry will certainly be missed and fondly remembered.
Sincerely,
Steve Mang
March 21st, 2010 at 11:54 am
Dear Peg and family -
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your great loss. Larry was a friend since our Plebe Year and, although we went on different Service paths, I always considered him someone I was privileged to know. Our prayers are with him — may he rest in Peace. Our best wishes go out to you and your family. I know you are proud of Larry, his service to God and Country, and his many lifetime accomplishments.
Jane & I have requested that a Mass at our parish church, Stella Maris, on Sullivan’s Island, SC, be dedicated to his life and his memory.
Sincerely,
Jane & Al Baciocco
Mt. Pleasant, SC
March 21st, 2010 at 1:17 pm
To Mike Laird: Mike I was sorry to ready about your dad’s passing. Wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Maury & Vera Gerson
March 21st, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Miss Peggy I am sorry, he was a treasure and I know he will be missed. It was a pleasure working with you guys when I was with Craig at Edward Jones. Again, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Kelli B Thomas
March 21st, 2010 at 6:56 pm
Dear Julie and all of the Laird Family,
I am so very sorry to read of the passing of Larry. I know how greatly you will miss him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure you hold a great treasure in all the great memories you have collected through the years.
March 22nd, 2010 at 9:07 am
Peg, Michael, Julie and families
I am sincerely sorry for your tremendous loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Heaven is a better place with Larry there. I hear they have the best Golf course.
Most sincerely
Laurel
March 22nd, 2010 at 10:25 am
Dear Peg and family,
I was sad to read about the passing of Larry in the Sunday Breeze-Courier. I will always have fond memories of painting your huge home and garage (barn?) on Main Cross. You guys were so nice to my sister, Dad, and I as we worked. I know Mom enjoyed working with you at the clinic, Peg. Larry commanded respect in a gentle way while we were around him, that is what I remember. You are in my prayers during this time.
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Dear Mike, Erin, and family,
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your father/grandfather. When seeing him at Notre Dame or at Erin’s wedding, I can only recall how wonderfully kind and proud of his family he was. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Dear Peggy,
Prayers are from our family and sorry to hear about the death of your husband Larry in NC. I remember when you worked at the medical clinic. I also remember we were related to Larry but I’ve forgotten the details. I would appreciate if you would email us at daretobebrave@yahoo.com. We now live in Alabama
Nancy Henry Dare
March 22nd, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Dear Peggy and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. The Laird family has been so much a part of our family with so many joyous memories that we greive deeply for your loss. Larry’s compassion and love for his family and friends will never be forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Peg,
I was so very sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Larry. Even though I have not seen you since you moved from Taylorville, I think about you quite often and all the times we shared at CCMC. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Mary Riech
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Peg, Julie and Mike,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband and father. He was one of the kindest men we have ever had the pleasure to meet. We know that your hearts must be broken by your loss but hopefully your faith will sustain you in this dreadful time. You are all in our prayers. Love, Rose and Jack
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Dear Julie and family ~
My condolences for your loss. Your dad was a very cool guy. I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers as you move through this time of sorrow.
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Julia,Bill,and family:
Sorry about your loss please accept our
sympathy.
Jay,Darby,Molly,an Kevin
March 22nd, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Dear, Peg, Julie, Michael and family
God bless Larry and family.
We Had A nice chat in at the September wedding.
We are so sorry to here the news.
Rosemary & John
March 24th, 2010 at 5:57 am
Dear Julie, Bill and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Stay well
Richard (O’Connor)
March 29th, 2010 at 9:09 am
Dear Peg,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
We remember the good time a few years ago when we visited and the guys played golf.
Larry will be missed.
Our love to you. Tom and Kay
April 1st, 2010 at 11:06 am
Peg, Larry was indeed one of the finest people we have ever known.
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:08 am
Dear Grammy Peg, Julie, Kailin & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of your beloved Larry. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet Larry…he will be missed!
Love, Kimmie