Larry Eugene Earls, 74, passed away on June 26, 2026 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Larry was born in Gastonia, NC to Winford and Etta Mae Earls on December 29, 1951, he was the second of four children.
Larry was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served a 2-year mission in Oakland, CA. When he returned from his mission he met the love of his life, Linda Bryson. They were married 49 1/2 years ago, in the Washington, DC temple on December 4, 1976. Together they had 3 beautiful children, Vanessa, Travis & Megan. Larry worked for Homelite/John Deere and he retired from CaroMont Regional Medical Center, where he worked in medical records. He loved to bring a little joy to his coworker's day at the hospital with chocolates & playing practical jokes. Larry loved trains, especially the #12 locomotive at Tweetsie Railroad. The only thing that topped his love for trains, was his love for his grandchildren. He loved dancing, playing, watching movies, usually Savannah Smiles or BFG and just being surrounded by them. Larry was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia 2 (SCA2) in 2016 that took away his ability to do the activities he loved but that didn't stop him from enjoying time with his grandchildren.
Larry is preceded in death by his father Winford Eugene Earls and mother Etta Mae Manning Earls.
Larry is survived by his wife, Linda Bryson Earls; children, Vanessa Earls Ruth and husband Rich of Davidson, NC, Travis Eugene Earls and wife Adele of Dallas, NC and Megan Earls Ghantt and husband Chris of Dallas, NC; five grandchildren, Peyton Earls, Grace Ruth, Sam Earls, Ava Ghantt and Clark Ghantt; sisters, Patsy Arrowood and Karen Wilson; brother, Aaron Earls and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm. A committal service will follow at Gaston Memorial Park.
We want to extend gratitude to Carolina Caring for their support during Larry's final days. The nurses and staff showed love and compassion to our family during this difficult time. We also want to thank the many family and friends that have called, texted, visited and sent prayers for our family. The love and support you have shown has not gone unnoticed.
Memorials can be made to the National Ataxia Foundation (ataxia.org) that funds research for SCA.
Please visit www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com to leave online condolences for the Earls Family.
