Laurance Bracey “Larry” Botts, 83, of Wilmington, passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2011. He was a Retired Chief Warrant Officer with the United States Marine Corps following having served for 24 years including service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Following his service, he worked for Diamond Shamrock Chemical Company. He was a member of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church where he served in many capacities including deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and often taught special Bible Study classes. Mr. Botts found his calling when he became a coordinator for the North Carolina Baptist Lay Witness Foundation. Larry was also a member of the Marine Corp Engineering Association. He was an avid hunter and fisherman which he learned as a young boy growing up on the banks of the St. John’s River in Deland, FL. He also enjoyed woodworking, working in his vegetable garden and never missed an opportunity to tell a story..
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Billie Raper Botts; son, Michael Botts of Tampa, FL; daughters, Terry Bulla of St. Augustine, FL, Pamela Decker of Lake Helen, FL, and Nancy Stein of Lake Helen, FL; sisters, Nita Pitts of Jacksonville, FL, and Jane Ogletree of Beaufort, SC; 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 24, 2011 at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Waters and Dr. Rod West officiating. Interment will follow in the Veterans Field of Honor at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends Monday, October 24, 2011 from 12:00 noon until time of service at the church and other times at the home.
My heartfelt thanks goes to my wonderful supporting family, church family, and friends. A Special Thanks to Larry’s “brother”, Don Wright and my special “Angels”, Millie Walton, Pat Tillery, and Diane Piersma as well as all the wonderful Hospice care givers.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Myrtle Grove Baptist Church(Building Fund), 5524 Myrtle Grove Road, Wilmington, NC 28409 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare Center, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
The staff at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Laurance B. Botts.
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