Charles Larry Fisher

Rev. C Larry Fisher (age 92) passed away peacefully on September 8, 2024 in Burlington, NC after living a life of cheerful, compassionate, and faithful service. Born in Kannapolis, NC on February 28, 1932 he was the fourth of five children born to Berry and Dovie Fisher. His childhood was rooted in love, good humor, and faith as he discerned a calling to become a minister while at John’s River Valley Camp as a teenager. He graduated from J.W. Cannon High School in 1950 and Catawba College in 1954, where he met his wife Nancy (Sullivan). They married in September 1954 as he began seminary. Larry completed his Master of Divinity degree in 1957 from Lancaster Theological Seminary and was ordained in his home church of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Kannapolis on June 23, 1957.

Larry served as pastor of Emmanuel UCC in Lincolnton, NC (1957-1960), Mt. Zion UCC in China Grove, NC (1960-1967), and St. Thomas UCC in Winston-Salem, NC (1967-1969). Then, called by his mentor and friend Rev. Lawrence Strunk, Larry and his family moved to Hagerstown, MD where he served at Christ’s Reformed Church UCC as Associate Pastor (1969-1973) and then Senior Paster (1973-1987). His last church served was at Zion Evangelical and Lutheran UCC in Baltimore, MD (1987-1996). He was named Pastor Emeritus at Zion following his retirement. Even in the following years, Larry served as protestant chaplain at Oak Crest Retirement Center. Larry returned to North Carolina in 2017, residing at Twin Lakes Retirement Community, and forming many meaningful friendships.

In all of Larry’s churches, he took on leadership roles that served his churches, their administrative bodies and their communities. Early in his career he led youth programs, and later he served on many Association and General Synod committees in the United Church of Christ. He was dedicated to improving his community, assisting to develop a payee program in Baltimore County (to support people living with diverse challenges to improve their quality of life), facilitating the creation and construction of an affordable independent living housing co-op on church property, and serving in hospital and hospice clergy roles. Although his resume is much longer, what he is most known for is his eternal optimism and welcoming spirit, always concerned for others before himself. Even as his physical health declined, he wanted to make sure that those who assisted in his care knew of his gratitude.

To his family, Larry was an example of unwavering love, patience, and support, all delivered with silly good humor. He and Nancy taught their children to try to make the world and those around them better. Family vacations were often camping at the beach and singing camp songs in harmony while driving to their destination. Nancy and Larry enjoyed travelling to Europe during retirement. 

Larry loved his grandchildren and great-granddaughter, finding joy in their every activity and accomplishment He enjoyed family cookouts and crab feasts, taking Eleanor and Matthew crabbing in Sue Creek and the Patapsco River near his home. Every trip to Baltimore by Ben and Nancy included the requisite trip to Pizza Johns, where Larry would gladly chomp on all the peppers that came on the side. When a family hamster died, he conducted the backyard funeral with a moving eulogy to bolster the spirits of Kat and Meghan. Throughout his life he enjoyed puzzles with family and friends – but everyone knew the last piece would be in Larry’s pocket. 

Larry is pre-deceased by his parents, brothers Karl (Annie Ruth) Fisher, Jim (Ruth) Fisher, B.A. (Margaret) Fisher, and sister Margie Griggs. After 45 years of marriage, Nancy passed away on December 27, 1999. He is survived by his children Chaz (Pam) Fisher, Anne (Larry) Goodes and Lynne (Sean) Murphy. Grandchildren include Eleanor Fisher (Emily Hutter), Matthew (Lauren) Fisher, Ben (Leanna) Goodes, Nancy Goodes (Eli Drummond), Kat Murphy (JT Maguire), and Meghan (Johnathan) Spalding, and great-granddaughter Elliana Goodes. 

Funeral services will be held at First Reformed United Church of Christ, 513 W. Front Street, Burlington, NC on Saturday, 9/14/24 at 2:00 pm. Family will greet visitors in the parlor after the service. Interment will be at Mt. Zion UCC in China Grove at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to your local church or community agency serving those in need, in Larry’s memory.