Larry V. Brown

Larry V. Brown, 77, of Greer, SC, left this world quietly on Sunday, September 13, 2020, passing away from heart failure in his home in the care of his wife, Barbara, and his daughter, Ashley. Born September 16, 1942 in Leavenworth, KS, Larry grew up living at Wadsworth, VA medical center, where his father was Fire Chief. He loved exploring the expansive historic property with his friends. A graduate of Leavenworth High School, Larry was a celebrated athlete in football, and also played American Legion baseball and in Ban Johnson Leagues. Larry maintained his commitment to youth sports throughout his adult life, ever passionate about young people learning the fundamentals and developing a love of the game. He coached American Legion baseball teams in Topeka, KS, and followed the league closely, rooting for teams and players, and attending as many American Legion World Series as he could. He was also a fan of KU Basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs, reveling in the team’s historic 2020 Super Bowl win. Larry graduated from Washburn University and went on to build a successful career as a Sales and Marketing Executive for sporting goods companies, including Wilson Sporting Goods, Rawlings and Allegheny. While he pursued his career, Larry was an NCAA Division I football referee. When Larry decided to strike out on his own as an entrepreneur, he founded and operated retail shops in well-known resort hotels in Kansas City, MO, Kansas City, KS, The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC, The Homestead, Hot Springs, VA, and Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA. With his wife Barbara, in 2004, Larry launched Boutique Jolie, which featured fine women’s clothing and exclusive gifts with two locations at The Sanctuary, Kiawah Island, SC and Amelia Island Resort, Amelia Island, FL. In 2012, they closed the shops and retired. While at The Grove Park Inn, Larry became acquainted with artist Francis Barnum, a sculptor of Civil War miniatures, and developed a deep interest in the art form and the history. He sponsored several Civil War sculptors, featuring their work in his stores, and ran the largest Civil War sculpture exhibition in the United States. He called Western North Carolina home for much of his life, spending 23 years in Asheville. An avid outdoorsman, Larry was an Asheville Area Chairman of Ducks Unlimited. A nature lover with a special affection for mountains, forests and streams, he enjoyed the camaraderie of camping and hunting with friends and family. Larry was also captivated and inspired by tales of the American West, and in particular loved the iconic Mountain Man, with no greater example than Robert Redford’s portrayal in the film “Jeremiah Johnson.” He collected fine sculpture embodying the courage, independence and quiet strength of these pioneers who lived off the land and made their way in a harsh but beautiful landscape. Larry loved to travel and experience new cultures, appreciated beauty in all its forms, loved a good meal and a beer. An enthusiastic history buff, Larry was fascinated by WWII and the Third Reich, and read copiously on the subject. With an easy laugh, sparkling sense of humor, and a warm, generous spirit, Larry touched many hearts. Larry engaged everyone who came into his orbit. Nary a waitress, nurse or neighbor would encounter Larry without a question about their family, education, or hopes and dreams. And once Larry welcomed people into his life, he valued their friendship and maintained the connection, regardless of the years that passed or the distance between them. Larry was devoted to his extended family and his circle of friends with the same generosity that he shared with his blood family. He will be missed by everyone who ever met him, his family, and many dear friends. Larry is survived by his wife, Barbara Brown; his daughter, Ashley Klumb (Hugh) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, their children, Logan and Hannah; stepdaughter, Ann Heatherington and her partner, Clint Brandhagen of Sunnyside, NY; stepson, Matthew Jank (Julie) of Jackson, MI, grandchildren, Rachel Bergy (Kevin), Michael Jank, Adam Jank; and two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Micah Bergy; The McGlinn Clan (Plymouth, MI and beyond); his brother, Bob Brown of Kansas City, KS; his brother, Keith Brown (Susan) of Olathe, KS and their children, Kyle of Olathe, KS and Courtney Shondell of Prairie Village, KS; and his sister, Janice Fulks (Terry) of Shady Shores, TX and their children, Joshua of Frisco, TX and Shannon of Plano, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarkson and Muriel Brown. No memorial service is planned. Contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to Washburn University, The Nature Conservancy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or to a charity of your choosing. The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Open Arms Hospice, Bon Secours/St. Francis Hospital, and to family and friends for their continued love and support. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Larry V. Brown

September 16, 1942 - September 13, 2020