He was born on December 25, 1927, in Harrisonburg and was the son of the late Joseph Elmer and Alpha Snell Roller.
Larry was devoted to practicing and spreading God’s word. He was an ordained minister and member of Victory Fellowship Church in Dayton, VA, serving as a Choir member. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Barbara, joined the Baptist Disaster Relief program and volunteered in Hungary, North Carolina, Florida, and Rhode Island. Larry was a Volunteer Chaplain for the Industrial & Commercial Ministries, Inc. (ICM); first President and Charter Member of the Skyline Chapter and Interim National Executive Director for 2 terms.
Larry spent a lifetime educating and helping people. After graduating from Harrisonburg High School, Larry spent time in Hawaii as a Sargent in the U.S. Army before returning to the Valley and attending Bridgewater College. Larry then transferred to Springfield College, MA to pursue a degree in education, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Education degree followed by a Doctorate of Education from the University of Virginia. He was a teacher, coach, elementary and secondary school principal, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Division Superintendent of Schools, and Undergraduate-Graduate Faculty and Emeritus Faculty at James Madison University. Larry’s professional career also included President of Shenandoah Valley Phi Delta Kappa where he instituted the Distinguished Service Award; Faculty Advisor to the JMU Student Virginia Education Association for sixteen years; and past Speaker Pro Tem of the JMU Faculty Senate.
Larry’s past volunteer service included Vice Chairman of the Augusta County Selective Service Board, President of the Harrisonburg Lions Club, Chairman of the Lions of Virginia James A. Bland Memorial Music Scholarships Contests (District 24-C), President of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County American Red Cross, President of the King George County Ruritan Club, and member of the Shenandoah Valley Choral Society.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of over 73 years Barbara Sellers Roller. 4 children; Ann Tomarchio of Strasburg, George Patrick Roller (deceased) of Grottoes, Laurie Dye (Derek) of Dayton and Lawrence “Joey” Roller (Jenny) of Forest Hill, MD. 10 grandchildren; Sandra Fitzgerald (Michael), Brittany Wiseman, Dallas Wiseman (Niccole), Derek Dye II, Hunter Shuler, Sage Dye, Mark Shuler, Seth Dye, Dylan Roller, and Lauren Roller. 15 great grandchildren; Ashlyn, Carter (deceased), Conner and Ollie / Kassidy, Brently, Rowyn and Willow / Noah, Sophiaa, and Remmi / Khloe, Lacey, and Jenna / Miles.
A visitation will be held 6-8 pm, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Victory Fellowship Church.
Honoring his wishes, he will be cremated, and a graveside service will be held 10 am, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Fairview COB Cemetery, near Endless Caverns, with Pastor Tim McAvoy officiating. A memorial service will follow at 12 NOON, at Victory Fellowship Church with Pastor Sonny Henkel and Pastor Tim McAvoy.
Memorial contributions can be made to either Bland Memorial Music Scholarship Foundation Inc., 6213 Settlers Trail Pl., Gainesville, VA 20155 or Industrial Christian Ministries, Inc., 57 South Main Street, Suite #606. Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com.
