Larry Dean Crouch

March 10, 1941 - December 27, 2021

Larry Dean Crouch, age 80, of Granite Falls went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, December 27, 2021, at Conover Nursing and Rehab Center, following a period of declining health. Larry was born on Wednesday, March 10, 1941, to the late Raymond and Lona Bowman Crouch. Larry was a graduate of Taylorsville High School. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in education, from Lenoir Rhyne College and a master’s degree from Appalachian State University. He taught at Dudley Shoals Elementary School for 30 years. Larry was a lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Sunday School Director. He was involved in children’s and youth ministries and senior adult ministries. Larry was a loving husband, Daddy, and Pawpaw. Larry enjoyed antique cars, old westerns, reading, and listening to gospel, bluegrass, classic country, and Elvis, but most of all enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Including his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 29 years, Linda Benfield Crouch; half-sisters, Edith Ritchie and Mildred Duncan; and half-brothers, Lester Crouch and Ray “Buck” Crouch. Those left to cherish the memory of Larry include two daughters and sons-in-law, Susan C. Kirby (Terry) and Gina C. Bell (Tom). Brother, Arnold Crouch; sister, Doris Duncan; brother, Steve Crouch; and half-sister, Joyce Wike. Grandchildren, Trevor Kirby, Trent Kirby, and Rudy Dean Thomas Bell, along with a number of nephews, nieces, aunts and cousins. Larry will lie in state at Antioch Baptist Church on Friday, January 7, 2022, from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm. Services will follow at 3:30 pm. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Mark Morris and Rev. Mike Johnson will be officiating. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; Baptist Children’s Homes PO Box 338 Thomasville, NC 27361; or NC Missions Offering, 205 Convention Drive, Cary, NC 27511. Due to Covid, masks are encouraged. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service. Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com