Larry Hugh Austin

Larry Hugh Austin, 90, of Concord NC, passed away January 24, 2026. Born in 1935 in Charlotte NC, Larry was the son of the late Fred Raymond and Mavis Cathryn Austin, and the older brother to three sisters.

Larry was a graduate of Central High School in Charlotte where he met his future wife, Betty. After graduating from Mars Hill College in 1955, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in History with a minor in Sociology from Wake Forest University in 1957. He was proud to be in the first graduating class at the new Winston-Salem campus. During his time at Wake Forest, he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, as well as a bass drummer in the band. Larry continued his education by earning his Master’s Degree in Religious Education in 1959 from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

After graduating from college, Larry married his soulmate, Betty Ellen Pearson, on August 25, 1957. After a short time in Texas while he attended seminary, they settled back home in North Carolina to raise their three sons.

Larry exhibited his servant leadership and his lifelong service to God in his working life as a Minister of Education at churches in Reidsville, High Point, Goldsboro, Charlotte, Greensboro, Concord and Lake Norman. After his retirement, he assisted with Bible studies, worship services and administrative teams at Taylor Glen Retirement Community and at his church, First Baptist Church of Kannapolis. He was on the Board of the Baptist Children’s Homes for many years, as well as countless boards in the Baptist associations he was affiliated with across North Carolina (including the board that designed Taylor Glen before it was ever built). His service included participating in mission trips to Cuba and Venezuela, where he taught others how to spread the word about Jesus Christ.

Larry had an adventurous spirit and he loved to travel. He and Betty traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Europe, South America, the Caribbean and all across the United States, as well as taking their boys on numerous camping trips up and down the East coast. He loved going to the beach to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Larry loved anything related to his treasured alma mater, Wake Forest University. He was extremely proud of the fact that one of his grandsons followed in his footsteps to become a Wake Forest graduate in the class of 2022.

Larry loved all sports and was known for watching obscure games on late night television. Over the years he kept score for various teams and coached softball and basketball. He was a great ping-pong player. He also relished playing games with his friends, including Canasta, Bingo, billiards and golf. His creative scorekeeping and rulemaking were legendary.

If that wasn’t enough, he thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the county Board of Elections as a precinct worker.

In March of 2018, Larry and Betty moved into Taylor Glen Retirement Community in Concord, where Betty passed away in November of that year. Larry continued there, making many new friends and participating in numerous outings and committees where he volunteered his time. He would help his neighbors with their taxes and take them to appointments when needed.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Pearson, and his younger sister Charmaine Gibson. Left to honor his memory are his sons Steve (Denise), Randall (Janet), and Bruce (Lynda); grandchildren Laura Favitta (Jeff), Bryan Austin, Rachel Delk (Dakota), Martha Burnett (Spencer), Jacob Austin and Hannah Austin; great-grandchildren Adelind Delk, Astrid Delk, Kennedy Favitta, Madeleine Favitta, Warren Burnett and Raina Burnett; his much-loved sisters and brothers-in-law Freida Conkle (Tom), Bob Gibson and Jackie Criminger (Bob). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom he adored.

A celebration of his life will take place at 2 pm on Sunday, March 1st at First Baptist Church of Kannapolis, 101 North Main Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Kannapolis.