Lawrence Alan Sauvola

Lawrence Alan Sauvola was born on November 4, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late William Harold and Elsie Waineo Sauvola. On August 6, 2022, as Larry was surrounded by his family in Greenville, SC, he passed on to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in glory. After graduating high school, Larry was drafted into the Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam war, serving in the motor pool as a mechanic. For many years, Larry owned and operated Quality Concrete Floors in New Hampshire, which later became Quality Concrete Construction, and is owned and operated by some of his sons. Larry moved to South Carolina in 1994 and worked for many years as a residential contractor. Recently, Larry worked side by side with his youngest son helping him to build his own company, Matchless Concrete Construction. Always ready to teach and help others, Larry taught many the ins and outs of the construction trade. There are more than a few businesses that have his fingerprints on them, and he loved watching others succeed. Larry never wanted to retire. He often told friends and family that he wanted to work until he went home to be with the Lord, and that is exactly what he did. His amazing work ethic, rock solid integrity, and a lifetime of skillful workmanship will live on for generations to come. Humble, generous, and servant-hearted, Larry spent the last 12 years of his life as an Elder and faithful overseer of Outreach Church, Greenville, SC. A man of prayer and a quiet thinker, when Larry spoke, everyone listened. There from the beginning, he loved his church family and was a huge part of Outreach Church becoming what it is today. He was the first face most people saw as they entered the parking lot, greeting them with an unforgettable smile and friendly wave. Larry did everything he put his hand to with a spirit of excellence. Some of his favorite hobbies and life’s pleasures were fixing or rebuilding cars, anything to do with motorcycles, going to car shows, grilling, eating at “hole in the wall” restaurants, and pondering deeply any “mystery” that needed to be solved. Nothing compared, though, to his love for God, and it overflowed to his family. Larry adored his “Babe”, Glady, more than anyone else on this earth. He loved, honored, protected, and served her unconditionally and faithfully for over 51 years. Having lost his own father at the age of 12, Larry considered it the highest honor and privilege to have his own family and committed himself to being the best Hubby to his wife, Dad/Pops to his kids, and Opa to his grands and great grands. Larry was the first person most of the family called when something needed to be fixed. He always made time for them, whether that meant fixing someone’s car, teaching them how to build something, going to see them at their place of employment, cheering them on at a sporting event or pageant, grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs, sitting prayerfully in a hospital waiting room, or giving a quick phone call to check in if someone was under the weather. Larry intentionally loved his family well and was their biggest cheerleader, always encouraging and believing in them. His mere presence gave them confidence and strength, and he always brought a positive outlook to any challenge or disappointment. His fun-loving personality was the source of many smiles and laughs. He was a safe place for his girls and a wealth of wisdom for his boys. Larry will be deeply missed by his family, friends and loved ones. His life lived for Jesus impacted others’ lives in a deep and meaningful way. Though his race is won, and he now joins the great cloud of witnesses, the seeds he planted will continue to bear fruit and echo for eternity. Surviving Larry are his wife, Gladys Jean Aho Sauvola of the home; four sons, Curt Sauvola (Darci), Lyle Sauvola (Jennifer), and Lars Sauvola (Laura) all of Rindge, New Hampshire, and Merle Sauvola (Crystal) of Greer, South Carolina; three daughters, Lori Matson (Scott) of Pasco, Washington, Melinda “Mindy” Sikkila (Collin) and Patti Geesey (Roy) both of Greer, South Carolina; one sister, Kathy Sauvola Samuli of Houghton, Michigan; one sister-in-law, Ruth Sauvola of Ft Myers, Florida; twenty grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Danica Davis (Homer) and their children, Maverick and Ebonie, Carinda Hill (Austin) and their daughter, Grae, Danaya Rautiola (Travis), Callie Sauvola, Cheyanne Niskanen (Russell) and their son Ridge, Sierra Sauvola, Julia Sauvola, Abagail Sauvola, Jordan Sauvola, Kacy Barney (Micah) and their son, Dutton, Britain Sauvola, Scott Matson, Jr., Georgia Matson, Caché Lampinen (Kye) and their son Vannon, Brooke Sikkila, Kate Sikkila, Ellie Sikkila, Aliah Geesey, Jaxon Geesey, and Cohen Sauvola. Larry was predeceased by four brothers, William “Bill” Sauvola, Dave, Kenny, and Tom Sauvola, and one sister, Pauline Logan. Visitation will be held 6:00-9:00 p.m. (8:00-9:00 will be a Time of Remembrance) on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Eastside Apostolic Lutheran Church (Greer, SC). Celebration of Life Services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Monaghan Baptist Church (Greenville, SC), conducted by Pastor Roy Geesey. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery (Greer). Pallbearers will be Larry’s sons and grandsons. The family is gathering at the home of his son, Merle Sauvola, 360 Pine Dr., Greer, South Carolina, 29651. Online condolences may be made to www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Lawrence Alan Sauvola

November 4, 1948 - August 6, 2022