Larry Wayne Britton

Larry was born on July 31st, 1950 in Jackson County Alabama. He was one of 8 siblings. Tragically, his father was killed in a car accident when Larry was a young child. He had a loving, caring relationship with his mother until her death on December 5th, 1995.

Larry was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He served his country working for the JAG office in Germany and at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After he fulfilled his duty, Larry found his niche in retail grocery management and ownership in local video stores.

Larry and Diane met at her Alabama high school class reunion in 2000. They immediately formed a loving relationship and were married that same year. Their blended families include his son Richard, daughter Kelly and her husband Eric, Diane’s son Jay and his wife Jennifer, daughter Michelle and her husband Trey, son Michael, and his wife Michele. They also share Justice, Brendan, Corey and Sydney as their beloved grandchildren.

Larry and Diane loved to travel. They visited the NC mountains, Las Vegas, Mississippi, Missouri, and New Jersey. They loved visiting with family and sharing special moments. Larry was Diane’s strongest supporter when her mother, Mary, was suffering with dementia. Mary loved and respected Larry for the kind, gentle way he treated her and took care of all her needs.

Larry retired in 2013 and enjoyed being a house husband for Diane. They had many plans for more travel and leisure times together. In late January 2019, Larry wasn’t feeling well. His condition did not improve, and he was admitted into Wake Med Cary Hospital on February 26, 2019. He stayed for 2 weeks, however, despite the wide range of tests, the doctors could not determine the cause of his illness. Fatigue, fever, lack of appetite, and 60-pound weight loss in 30 days became highly alarming. Larry was admitted to the same hospital for a second time a week later. Upon this visit, doctors began to suspect he may have Adult HLH, an incurable disease that attacks the immune system. Larry endured many more blood tests, cancer scans, bone marrow biopsies, ultra sounds, x-rays, EKG’s, needles and IV’s. None of those procedures produced any diagnosis. Even so, the doctors prescribed a regimen of steroids and chemotherapy.

Larry responded well to the treatment. He was home and comfortable. He was receiving physical therapy at home and gaining strength. Over the next few months, Larry was in and out of the hospital several times. He continued with tests and treatments, no matter how painful and agonizing. He was determined to get well and even walk again.

On Thursday, August 15th Larry went to rehab at Wake Med Raleigh. He was gaining strength and, on the road to living with this disease. He knew there was no cure, but he knew he still had life to live.

On Thursday, August 22nd Larry became very ill. He was put on temporary dialysis due to kidney malfunction and placed in ICU. He was still in good spirits and looking forward to a port being installed in his chest for future chemotherapy treatments. At this time blood tests revealed that indicators of the adult HLH disease were too high to manage or control with any known treatment.

By Saturday, August 24th, the vast team of medical professionals determined that there was absolutely nothing that could be done to eradicate or treat this disease. They could no longer offer any help or answers for Larry. Many visitors came to his bedside to share fun stories and warm experiences.

On Monday, August 26th, at 7:19am, Larry Wayne Britton passed away with his loving wife, Diane by his side. He was a strong man who fought until the end. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers of Wake Med Cary, Wake Med Raleigh, Wake Med Home Health and Waverly Hematology Oncology for their care and compassion throughout Larry’s triumphs and tribulations. We are grateful for your support along this journey.

Adult HLH is very rare. More research is needed. We will support these efforts in the name of Larry Wayne Briton.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, September 1, 2019 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, North Carolina.

Online condolences may be made at www.BrownWynneCary.com