Larry Wayne Young

Larry Wayne Young, 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Winston-Salem, NC, surrounded by his family.

Larry was born in Winston-Salem, NC, on May 11, 1942, to Woodrow Young and Josephine Cox Young, and was their only surviving child. Although he did not have siblings, he grew up within a large extended family of aunts, uncles, & cousins and remained close to them throughout his life, including his cousin Shelvy Lewis, and husband Don.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his loving wife of 56 years, Etta Long Young.

He is survived by his two daughters, Lauren Young and Dana Young; three grandchildren, Mallory Smith Franco (Efrain “Tito” Franco Rivera), Mason Smith, and Elizabeth Young; and three great-grandchildren, Eamon Franco, Cedar Franco, and Tallulah Franco, who brought him particular happiness in his later years.

A lifelong resident of the Winston-Salem area, he retired from R.J. Reynolds after decades of service. Following his retirement, he worked as a consultant on cigarette machines on Native reservations in North Carolina, New York, and Canada. Outside of work, he enjoyed collecting antique rifles, playing golf, traveling, attending tractor shows, and had a long-standing interest in cars, including classic cars he owned over the years.

Larry was deeply supportive of his family and could always be counted on for a listening ear or a helping hand. He took particular joy in time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them grow.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Advent Moravian Church beginning at 1:00PM. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church. A private family committal will follow at the church graveyard.  

He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.