Larry Nathan Church, 80, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023.  Larry was born in Lakeview, South Carolina in 1942, the middle son of the late Rupert and Ethel Thompson Church.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy upon graduation from high school in 1960.

He became a Chief Petty Officer in just seven years.  Larry graduated from Purdue University in 1970 with a BS in Electrical Engineering and became a commissioned officer. He received numerous commendation medals throughout his 24-year service and was ranked as a Lt. Commander for the Los Angeles Class Nuclear Submarines until his retirement in 1984.

Larry moved to Newport News in 1972 and married Sandra Lyon in 1982.  He had strong ties to his community with service through the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs as well as the Moose and Elks Lodges. He was the longest-standing Elks Lodge member of the BPOE 315 where he acted as both the Treasurer and Exalted Ruler.  He was the owner of Ann Marie’s Sub Shop/Lounge for 13 years.

Larry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sandra; his two sons, Steven (Marlo) and Jeffrey; and two grandchildren, Helena and Nathan.

A graveside service, officiated by Pastor Wes Taylor, will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.