Larry Paul Modlin Sr., 74, of Yorktown, passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, Newport News. Born Feb. 24, 1944, in Washington, North Carolina, he was the eldest son of William “Bill” and Edna Modlin of Pinetown.
He moved to Virginia in 1963 and met the love of his life, Carolyn Tatum, and they were married three weeks later in Hampton.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother and father; wife, Carolyn (1998); son, Stacey Von (1964); and daughter, Debra Sue (1989).
Larry is survived by a son, Larry “Paul” Modlin Jr., and his wife, Jacqueline Sue Modlin, of Orlando, Florida; daughter, Kimberly Hope Kelly, and her husband, Robert Kelly, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; brothers, Henry Sylvester “H.S.” Modlin and Jerry Modlin of Pinetown, North Carolina; and his sisters-in-law, Hope Tatum Perdue of Yorktown and Sherry Modlin of Pinetown, North Carolina. He is lovingly remembered by his granddaughters, Madison Elizabeth Modlin and Macy Elizabeth Modlin of Orlando, Florida; nieces and nephews, Shannon (Joey) Auche and David (Addie) Modlin; great-nieces and great-nephew, Alyssa and Haley Auche, and Bodie and Isla Modlin; and many dear friends and loved ones who grieve his passing.
Larry had many great talents. In his early years, he worked as a skilled ornamental iron worker with his father-in-law, Leonidas “Lee” Tatum Jr. He was also the owner of Larry’s Used Pianos and for years enjoyed buying, selling and restoring used pianos and player pianos. He also had a great love for metal detecting with many great friends and collecting Civil War relics, as well as a strong interest in collecting antique and one-of-a-kind glassware. He had a high appreciation for quality workmanship and was a perfectionist in everything he did. His love for glassware (particularly Cobalt blue) began in his early years of marriage with his wife Carolyn. Larry also enjoyed birdwatching and loved bluebirds in particular.
Larry believed that the most important things in life were his family and friends. He always said, “The best things you can collect in life are good friends.” Larry’s granddaughters were his pride and joy. He enjoyed teaching them about his glass collection and relics and sharing stories about their love of softball and funny stories about their father Paul.
Larry was loved by all who knew him.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5, at Amory Funeral Home, 410 Grafton Drive, Yorktown. A graveside memorial service, with the Rev. Dr Michael Condrey officiating, will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6, in Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Blvd., Newport News.
