Larry Hines Worsley

May 23, 1943-October 4, 2022

Larry passed away at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital surrounded by his loving family.  Larry was a kind, humble, and generous husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, who had never met a stranger and loved telling a good story.  He was the son of Dorothy and Francis Worsley born in Oak City, NC and is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth DeLoatch Worsley. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Beth) Worsley Shore (Penn) and Virginia (Ginny) Worsley Mohrbutter (Trent), his brother David Worsley, his sister Jackie Norris (Wayne), his brother-in-law Mahlon DeLoatch, Jr., and an extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Larry attended Oak City High School and North Carolina State University (1961-1966) where he received a degree in Agricultural Economics. At State, he was on scholarship, played basketball, and is known for his standout performance against Duke when he scored 30 points in the 1965 ACC Tournament championship game. For his performance, he received the tournament MVP and was the only player to be presented the award by Coach Everett Case. Larry found great joy in telling his basketball stories, handing out his player cards, and sharing his love of NC State.

After graduating from NC State, Larry returned to Oak City, the town that he loved and that loved him in return.  He continued his passion for basketball by coaching the Hobgood Academy Varsity Girls basketball team for many years, winning the 1987 NCISAA State Championship, with his daughter, Ginny, who was a senior.  His dedication to basketball influenced many young people who said he was a great coach and even finer man.

He spent his entire career in agri-business and farming working tirelessly supporting farmers, making friends, selling fertilizer, and spending time in the fields.  Larry had a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, owning his own businesses and working with agri-firms to provide services to the farming community.  He worked until he was a caregiver for his wife which then became his life's focus, caring and loving for her until her death.

He enjoyed helping others and had a passion for stray dogs, adopting and loving many of them through the years. Some of Larry's fondest memories were spent with his wife at N.C. State basketball games and with his family on the coast of North Carolina.  Most recently, he enjoyed eating breakfast with friends at Da-Nite, Classic Diner, and Waffle House.

The family extends our gratitude to the generous community of Oak City, Dr. Tom Gennosa, Heart to Heart caregivers, and CenterWell Home Health Team. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 10 from 5-7 pm at Carlisle Funeral Home, 701 Hospital Drive, Tarboro, NC, and a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2:00 pm at the Oak City Christian Church, 310 Commerce Street, Oak City, NC, with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.  Guests are invited to wear red in honor of Larry's NC State Wolfpack.  Burial will be private with the family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carlisle Funeral Home, Inc. in Tarboro.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Oak City Christian Church, Oak City Baptist Church, United Way Tar River Region, or a charity of your choice.