Larry Wayne Conger

Larry Wayne Conger, surrounded by his devoted family, stepped into the loving arms of our Lord, on February 4, 2021, after a hard-fought battle with Covid-19.

Born February 17, 1954, in Charlotte, North Carolina to Monette and Stanley Conger, Larry was surrounded by love and faith from the start. Larry attended Hildebran High School and joined the Navy in 1973 where he saw the world while serving on the USS Manley. He met the love of his life in 1974 and they married in August of 1976. They were blessed with 3 wonderful children. A member of Drowning Creek Baptist church since 1976, Larry served faithfully as a Deacon, Music Leader, and Sunday School Teacher.

Known by many as a bologna sandwich connoisseur, Larry had some strong opinions on this matter. For the last 17 years, Larry worked for Hickory High School as the maintenance supervisor. He was known there as a kind and considerate friend to his coworkers, and an encouraging and patient “school dad” to countless students. He collected superhero figurines and antiques, had a mean impersonation of Tarzan, and was seldom seen without a cup of coffee. He was an accomplished photographer, always at the right place and at the right time to capture moments in time for his vast network of family and friends over the years. He loved music and could often be heard singing in the halls of Hickory High School. He was a great advocate and defender of his faith and enjoyed any chance to share his beliefs with open and frank conversation, while never discounting the beliefs of others.

He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 44 years, Barbara Phillips Conger of Hildebran, NC, along with his children - April Conger Watts (Joshua) of Hickory, NC; Kimberly Conger Cozart (James) of Hickory, NC; and Stephen Wayne Conger (Jennifer) of Granite Falls, NC. He will be missed by his siblings Stanley Conger (Yvonne) of Hildebran, NC; David Conger (Mary) of Bedford, Kentucky; Ricky Conger (Dorothy) of Hickory, NC; and Cindy Conger Vanhorn (Willie) of Hickory, NC. Many funny and heartfelt stories will be passed down to his beautiful and adored grandchildren – Maggie Dalena, Elijah, and Emily. After looking upon the smiling face of Jesus, Larry was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Monette and Stanley Conger. A mother’s hug and a father’s proud smile saying “Son, you gonna like it up here!”

Larry will forever be remembered as a man who loved the Lord, his family, and his job at Hickory High School. He served as a role model to many, confidant to those in need, sounding board to the conflicted, and shining example of a servant of God. Referred to as a “Beacon of Light” by his friends and colleagues and “My Smile” by his wife of 44 years, Larry’s family hopes that he will continue to serve as an example of God’s love and brightness and bring peace to the hearts of those he has left behind.

The family will host a receiving for friends and relatives at Catawba Funeral Home in Hickory, NC on Thursday, February 11, 2021, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. (Masks are required). Funeral on Friday, February 12, 2021, at 1:00 PM conducted at Drowning Creek Baptist Church with limited seating. The service will be officiated by Rev. Stanley Conger, Rev. Jerome Walker and Rev. Billy Miller. Livestream of services will be available on Larry Conger’s Facebook page. Graveside service to follow at Catawba Memorial Park with Military Honors.