Dr. Larry Hungerford

Dr. Larry Lee Hungerford, 89, of Bermuda Village in Advance, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025.

Born near Los Angeles, California, on March 25, 1936, he was the son of Thelma and Earl Hungerford.

Larry was a lifelong learner and educator. He earned his master’s degree in history from Ball State University and his doctorate in economics education at Ohio University. He dedicated many years to teaching as a college professor at Winston-Salem State University. In 1992, Larry retired from academia to pursue a career in financial management, initially forming his own business before joining John Woodard at Woodard & Company.

Though married three times, Larry found his greatest happiness with his wife, Susan “Sue” Hungerford, whom he married on August 29, 1983. Together, they shared a passion for exploration, visiting 75 countries, and organizing family reunion trips to celebrate birthdays and special moments with loved ones.

Larry was an avid sports enthusiast who loved the camaraderie of the game and enjoyed playing poker. In later years, he and Sue became passionate Scrabble rivals, engaging in marathon matches that showcased his love for words and friendly competition.

Larry’s unwavering belief in the power of education extended far beyond his own work in the classroom. Each year, he and Sue personally sponsored the education of 75 students in Uganda and Vietnam, ensuring young people in underserved nations had opportunities to pursue their dreams and build brighter futures. This commitment reflected his deep conviction that education is a transformative force for individuals and society.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents and his sons, Greg and James Hungerford. He is survived by his children, Pamela Pettyjohn (Max), Steven Hungerford (Lorena), Stan Hungerford (Judy), Mary Cranfill (Charles), and Sandi Hungerford; stepchildren, Ceci McGuire (Bill) and Nathaniel Doersam (Cathrine); daughter-in-law, Tina Hungerford; grandchildren, Andrew, Josiah, Zoe, Ben (Taylor), Caleb, Emily, Aaron, Kiera (Ben), Flora, Ella, Madeleine, Christopher, and Myriah (Cody); and great-grandchildren, Violet and Graylyn.

The family will host a drop-in memorial reception from 4:00-6:00 pm on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Bermuda Village, 142 Bermuda Village Dr, Bermuda Run, NC 27006, followed by a private family dinner.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s name may be made to Just Hope, 814 S Main St, Mocksville, NC 27028, a charity close to his heart.

Larry will be remembered for his sharp mind, his love of travel and learning, his delight in games and friendly competition, his support of education, and most of all, his commitment to bringing his family together and creating shared experiences. His legacy lives on in the lives and stories of those who loved him.