Laurence "Larry" Allen Moolenaar

Laurence (Larry) Allen Moolenaar passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024, in Grantsboro, North Carolina. Born on February 14, 1949, in Valparaiso, Indiana. Larry graduated from St. Joseph High School in St. Joseph, Michigan, in 1967. In 1968, he answered the call of duty by enlisting in the Army, where he proudly served in Vietnam with Alpha company 75th Ranger attached to 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. After his honorable discharge, Larry earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from West Georgia College in Carrollton, Georgia, followed by an MBA from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Larry’s professional career was marked by a significant tenure at Georgia Power Company, where he worked from 1975 to 1995. His expertise and passion for economic development led him to a pivotal role as a consultant for the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Carolina in 1996. Larry then served as the Executive Director of the Newberry County Development Board/Chamber of Commerce in Newberry, South Carolina, from 1996 to 2001. His impactful leadership continued as he moved to New Bern, North Carolina, where he held positions as Executive Director of Lenoir County Economic Development and the Eastern Carolina Council of Government. Larry also authored and published two books on economic development.

Larry was an avid runner and sailor. As a runner, he participated in numerous 5K and 10K races, with the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta on the 4th of July being one of his favorites. His love for sailing began in his youth on the shores of Lake Michigan. While still in high school, he was part of the crew for a Lightning class boat that competed in the national racing finals in San Diego. Throughout his adult life, Larry owned a sailboat and embarked on many memorable adventures, including trips to the Bahamas from Florida and along the eastern seaboard. One of his most cherished voyages was from the West Coast of Florida through the Keys and up the seaboard to New Bern, a 1,000-mile journey he made with his almost 80-year-old mother as his sole crew member.

Larry is predeceased by his beloved parents, Frank and Cornelia Agatha Jansze Moolenaar. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rande Y. Moolenaar; his stepson, Benjamin (Ben) Lee of Atlanta, Georgia; his brothers, Edward D. Moolenaar of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and Norman Moolenaar of Gainesville, Georgia; and his nieces, LT Johanna L. Moolenaar of Seattle, Washington, and Kathryn L. Moolenaar of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Larry will be remembered for his profound impact on his community, his passion for running and sailing, and his unwavering dedication to his family and country.  A memorial service to honor Larry’s life and military service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a veteran’s organization of the donor’s choice in Larry’s memory.