Harry Thomas Larsen

ROCKY MOUNT – Harry Thomas Larsen, age 73, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.  Born on Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, FL on June 1, 1951, he was the son of the late Nels Berg Larsen and Alita Bonita Butler Larsen. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Nels George Larsen, Michael Larsen and Paul Larsen.

Harry honorably served his community and country throughout his life. A dedicated public servant, he served with the Rocky Mount Fire Department, where he was affectionately known by his fellow firefighters as “Chickenhawk.” During his time there, he assisted with the refurbishment of a fire truck that now stands on display at the Rocky Mount Fire Museum—a tribute to his era of service. Following his time in the firehouse, he transitioned into law enforcement, serving nearly a decade with the Rocky Mount Police Department before relocating to Orlando, Florida, where he continued his law enforcement career until retirement. Mr. Larsen also served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was a Green Beret assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group A-Team and served as a parachute rigger. He was a longtime member of Shenandoah Baptist Church. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and an active member of the West Mount Ruritan Club for many years. Known for his love of the outdoors, Harry especially enjoyed camping, golfing and saltwater fishing.

Harry leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 53 years, Patsy Langley Larsen; daughter, Candy Reichardt and husband, Robert; son, Stewart Larsen and wife, Amy.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, twin grandsons, Justin Reichardt and his wife, Brianna, and Austin Reichardt and his wife, Kristin, Eric Reichardt, Henry Larsen and Maggie Larsen; one great-grandson, Jack Reichardt; brothers, Gary Larsen and John Larsen and his wife, Sandy; sisters, Bonnie Hale and her husband, Barry, Linda Mulhern, Karen Woodruff and her husband, Charlie, Diane Speir and Debbie Cuccia and her husband, Joe; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Glenn Hill officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Harry’s memory to the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, 123 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or online at www.secufamilyhouse.org.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.