Larry Franklin Chance

Larry Franklin Chance, 89, of Albemarle, N.C., passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, in Pelham, Ala., with family by his side. A funeral service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church in Albemarle, with Pastor Delane Burris officiating. Following the service, a time of fellowship will be held in the church’s fellowship hall. At the family's request, the burial will be private. Larry is lovingly survived by his wife of 71 years, June (Greer); his daughter, Lynn (Scott) Rummage of Pelham; his son, Lamar (Kristin) Chance of Oakland, Tenn.; and his three grandchildren, Meagan, Zachary and Emerson. Larry was born on November 2, 1936, in Stanly County to the late Elmon Franklin and Onnie (Crowell) Chance. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Reggie. Larry graduated from Albemarle High School in 1955, where he starred on the basketball court and on the baseball diamond. After graduation, Larry began a 40-plus-year career in the food distribution and manufacturing industry, first with Sealtest Dairy and later with Flowers Bakery. He retired in 1999. Larry loved Christ, his family, his church and the Carolina Tar Heels. As a young boy, he accepted Christ as his Savior and continued to grow in his faith throughout his life. His walk with Christ was evident in his love for his family and his church, Grace Baptist. He always made time for family beach vacations and other events, including many trips to Albemarle High School football and basketball games to support Lynn (band) and Lamar (team statistician). Later in life, Larry became a world traveler, visiting different states and countries overseas to see his children and grandchildren. Larry was a member of Grace Baptist Church and served there humbly throughout his adult life. He was a deacon emeritus and served as a deacon for many years, as well as serving as Sunday School secretary, church secretary and Sunday School teacher, among other roles. Larry was always willing to do anything to help reach others for Christ, including through one of his favorite outreach events: Grace Baptist’s street hockey program. Lastly, Larry loved his Tar Heels. A Carolina fan since he was young, he would watch or listen to every game he could, “coaching” the Heels to many victories over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made on behalf of Larry to Grace Baptist Church, 644 Edgemont St., Albemarle, NC 28001. Stanly Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the family of Larry Chance.

Larry Franklin Chance

November 2, 1936 - August 26, 2026