Hyde

Williams, Larry Pierce - Obituary

Ocracoke

Larry Pierce Williams, 79, of the 200 block of Granby Park, Norfolk and Ocracoke Island, passed away April 9, 2009. Born on Ocracoke Island, Larry was the youngest of seven children by Lola Howard Wahab and Zinie Williams. He was a graduate of Ocracoke High School and East Carolina University. Larry began his teaching career in Wilmington, North Carolina and transferred into the Virginia Beach Public School system in 1954 as an English teacher. In the early 1960s, he began teaching drama and both developed and sponsored the school’s award-winning drama department. He directed several annual main stage productions as well as the senior play. Larry was very active with the Virginia Beach Little Theatre, serving on its Board of Directors as well as directing many productions including “The Glass Menagerie,” “Look Homeward Angel” and “Five Finger Exercise.”

In 1977, Larry and his friend and partner Foy Shaw purchased The Island Inn & Dining Room on Ocracoke Island which they operated until 1990. The Inn was featured in numerous national publications during their proprietorship. The Island Inn served as the first public school on Ocracoke where Larry’s parents both attended. Larry was a founding member of the Ocracoke Preservation Society and served as its first president. He brought back several Ocracoke traditions to the Island including beauty pageants and a July 4th parade. The July 4th parade and fireworks display is now a signature Ocracoke event.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Russell, Troy and Dallas; and sisters Eunice Natalie Williams, Janice Bowers and Melba Johnson. Larry leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and two great, great nephews. Larry will be greatly missed and always remembered by his family, friends and dog Maggie. He was a life-long member of Ocracoke United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday May 2nd at the Ocracoke United Methodist Church. Internment will be private and held at the Howard-Wahab Family Cemetery. Friends are invited to the Wahab House after the service to share memories and celebrate Larry William’s life. Flowers are welcome at the service and condolences may be offered online at www.twifordfh.com. Twiford Funeral Home in Chesapeake, Virginia is handling arrangements.

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© 2009 NE NC News.