Individual Details

Death

On June 25, 2022 Rev. Larry Eugene Lefler, 84, of Hamptonville entered the pearly gates of Heaven to walk on streets of gold with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Furr Lefler who has supported his lifelong ministry and uplifted the Lord with her own beautiful voice. Also surviving is his precious dachshund “Buddy” who adored him; a son, Jeffery Eugene Lefler and daughter-in-law Nancy McCann Lefler of Elkin and grand dog “Bailey” who loved to get in grandpa’s hospital bed and cuddle him. He is also survived by a brother Richard Lefler of Kannapolis and Michael Hemric of Jonesville who adopted him as Dad. Here are a few things Larry would like to share with you: “I grew up in Concord, NC in the Franklin Mill Community. I was delivered at home to HL and Bertie Lefler on 10/27/1937. I had a sister, Francis Lefler who was 8 years older and a brother, Richard Lefler who was 8 years younger. Both my parents and my sister preceded me in death. At age 14, I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior in West Side Nazarene Church. At age 17, I answered the call to preach his Word. After finishing Hartsell High School in Concord and graduating from Fruitland Bible College, I completed a Scofield course at Mood Bible Institute. While still in school I served as interim pastor at Roberta Baptist Church in Landis, NC. I was then called to serve as fulltime pastor at Warrensville Baptist Church in Warrensville, NC; Shockoe Baptist Church in Chatham, VA; Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church in Jefferson, NC; Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hamptonville, NC; Antioch Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro, NC; and Dennyville Baptist Church in Ronda, NC. I preached my last sermon on October 20, 2019 at Oak Grove Baptist after 65 years of pastoring and I retired due to health reasons. Upon my retirement, I started a home-based CD and Christian book ministry reaching pastors all over the USA. Last year I also finished writing my own book titled “A Commentary on the book of James”. I have had a lot of time during my recent illness to think about my own precious son Jeff, who I love so very, very much and am so proud of. He is so strong and I can depend on him to take care of my needs. I can only imagine how hard it would be to give him up as GOD gave up his only son to save us from out sins and gave us eternal life.” Larry’s life made a difference in so many lives. He spent much of his ministry over the years inspiring and mentoring to the youth of the church, everything from playing church league softball, to taking them on trips and outings, helping them see their own potential and always being their friend. These kids grew into adults with a deep respect and sincere appreciation for all the good memories, fun times ad life lessons learned from him. Larry was only a phone call away when his church members needed him. He worked tirelessly visiting, supporting his church families during good times and bad times, conducting wedding and funerals, studying and preparing his sermons. He prayed with and for families, friends and neighbors. He counseled and listened to problems and was looked to for advice and direction. Larry really enjoyed talking to people and sharing God’s word. He witnessed to everyone he met; his doctors and nurses, it didn’t matter who it was. He wanted to give everyone the opportunity to accept the Lord and ask Him to come into their life. Many seeds were planted through those conversations. To God Be the Glory! Larry’s life was blessed. He was a blessing to so many and will be greatly missed. His family Betty, Jeff and Nancy would like to say “Thank You” to their extended family members, friends and neighbors who have offered their love and support in so many ways, as well as their prayers. Also, a special “Thank You” to his Hospice workers and dear friends Gene and Margaret Burchette and Robert and Elaine Ferguson for everything they did for him. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hamptonville with Rev. Kenny Wood, Dr. Mark Boles and Dr. Jon Lindsay officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.   The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 1:00 PM prior to the service. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Lefler family. Memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care.