Larry J. Vaughn

Larry J. Vaughn, 85, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025. Born in High Point, North Carolina, Larry was the oldest son of Walter Lacy Vaughn and Genelle Hensley Vaughn. He grew up in Jamestown, and was a proud Boy Scout. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1962 with a degree in chemistry. Later that year, he wed Antoinette Alderman Rochelle, and he and "Toni" were married for more than 62 years.

In a career spanning four decades, Larry was a hard-working textile executive, beginning at Cone Mills in Greensboro, continuing at Rock Hill Printing and Finishing in Rock Hill, and later, for M. Lowenstein & Sons in Lyman, South Carolina. Finally, he served as Purchasing Manager for Springs Industries at their corporate headquarters in Fort Mill, South Carolina, retiring after 25+ years in 2005. He particularly enjoyed negotiating for raw materials and purchasing them by the train car.

Larry and Toni appreciated Rock Hill as a fantastic place to raise a family. He was active as a member of First Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church there, serving as Sunday School Treasurer. He also served on several local boards, notably the United Way of York County, and was a member of the Sandlapper Parrot Head Club.

In retirement, he and Toni found a welcoming and vital community in the Bedford neighborhood in North Raleigh. There, he spent countless hours every year volunteering with Porch Pickup Bedford and supporting Backpack Buddies. He couldn’t stand the thought of any child going hungry.

Larry rarely missed his Wednesday poker games, playing with the same group for over a decade before adding a second poker group and new friends along the way. He was a huge Jimmy Buffett fan, and he loved traveling, seeing his grandkids, and spending time at the beach. He was also a talented musician who played both the trumpet and guitar and composed music in his free time. An accomplished artist, he painted in both oil and watercolor.

Above all else, Larry cherished his wife, Toni. He was a truly devoted husband who, even in his very last days, commented to hospital staff about how beautiful his wife was. He loved her to his last breath.

Larry was predeceased by his brother, Charles William “Bill” Vaughn of Martinsville, Virginia.

Larry is survived by his wife, Antoinette Rochelle “Toni” Vaughn; his children, Laura Vaughn Hudson (Roger) of Raleigh and John David Vaughn (Catherine) of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; and four grandchildren, William Vaughn Hudson, John Alderman Hudson, Anna Campbell Vaughn, and Charles Stone Vaughn. "Papa" was dearly loved.

The family will receive friends at the Brown-Wynne Funeral Home at 1701 East Millbrook Road in Raleigh between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 23, with a memorial service to follow at 4:30 PM. Friends are invited to Bedford Food and Drink for a social in Larry’s memory starting at 5:30 PM on the 23rd.

The family appreciates the excellent care provided by the nurses and care team at WakeMed North, and the wonderful staff of Transitions Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, 1924 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604.