Larry Dean Groah

Larry was born in Waynesboro, Virginia, to Charles and Mary Groah on November 9, 1959. He was a 1978 graduate of Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville, Virginia. Shortly after graduation, Larry met the love of his life and her three children. They became a true family when they married on October 2, 1982. Larry truly showed up for his family, selflessly taking on the role of a stepdad with a deep commitment and love that few men could match.

Though Larry held many jobs over the years and was a true jack of all trades, his two biggest jobs were being a daddy and sharing a special bond with his only baby girl. However, that role was famously shared with a little dog named Harley. Harley came into Larry’s life when he needed him most, and the two became inseparable. Harley never quite realized he was a dog, acting more like a little human. Together, Larry and Harley rode his motorcycle all over the East Coast and even made the epic journey to Sturgis in 2013. They brought immense joy and the biggest smiles to everyone they met along the way, with strangers constantly stopping to take photos of the unforgettable duo.

Larry is survived by his ex-wife, Grace A. Groah; his children, Wendy Campbell (Danny), Stuart Sweet (Tonya), and Eric Sweet (Diana); his mother, Mary E. Groah; his sister, Denise Hopkins (Michael); and his brother, Chuck Groah. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Jeremy, Megan (Kevin), Kendall, Sam (Krista), Logan, and Emily; and five great-grandchildren, Emmeline, Conor, Charleigh Rose, Gracelynn, and Wyatt. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Tina, Julie, Kari, and Timothy, and great-nieces and nephews. His special friend and companion who cared for him till the end, Nancy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles L. Groah, Sr., and his faithful companion, Harley the Biker Dog.

A celebration of life service will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Larry's honor to the Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter, 1011 Lee Highway, Verona, Virginia 24482.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes