09/01/2025
Our choir's loss is Heaven's gain. What a precious brother, friend and fellow singer.
Larry Ross Houchins 71, of Pearisburg has moved from his earthly residence to his heavenly mansion prepared by the Master. His move was made on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at UVA Medical Center after a hard-fought battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Larry is now singing in the Heavenly Choir and walking the streets of gold with his parents, Homer Roscoe Houchins and Avis Shrewsbury Houchins and his brother Gerald Wayne Houchins. We know there was a glorious celebration and reunion upon his arrival.
Larry was born in Pearisburg on September 11, 1953, and was a lifelong resident of Pearisburg. He was a proud Spartan, graduating from Giles High School in the class of 1971, and later attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
Larry worked 29 years for Celanese in Narrows, then for Hercules in Radford and retiring from Volvo in Dublin. While working he was sent to Canada, Mexico and Australia numerous times to do training of other employees.
Larry's passion and favorite sport was hunting, but also enjoyed biking, golfing, skiing, white water rafting and recently kayaking. He loved being in the woods spending quiet time meditating, reflecting on his life and talking with God. He loved music and God blessed him with a beautiful tenor voice which he loved sharing by singing in his church choir, Giles Community Choir, at weddings, funerals and many other venues.
Those left to cherish their love and memories and celebrate his extraordinary life are his sons, of whom he was extremely proud. Cole Ross Houchins and wife Olivia and Dr. Beau Reese Houchins and Fiancée Elena Cantwell all of Richmond, and Vince Gallo of Blueridge. His grandchildren, Kallie and Olivia Gallo and his latest, Clara Grace, who brought much joy and was the apple of his eye.
Survivors also included his brothers, Rodney Houchins and girlfriend Diane Bradley, of Pearisburg and Frank Six and wife Jane of Chester. Also, Larry's partner, companion, best friend, caregiver and beloved girlfriend of over 19 years, Terry Dunford. His aunts Gladys Lucas, Pembroke and Rita Shrewsbury, Bluefield and many family members and friends.
Larry loved and was loved by his family of the heart, Dr. Michael and wife Dreama McMahon and family and Rose Dunford whom he loved as his second Mom.
A time to gather in celebration of Larry's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Pembroke, visitation will be 6-8pm on Tuesday September 2, 2025, with the funeral from 1-2pm on Wednesday September 3, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his church, Shady Grove Church, 392 Walkers Creek Valley Rd., Pearisburg, VA 24134 or to a charity of your choice.
Special thanks to Larry's angels (his name for them), 10th floor, Oncology Unit of Carilion Medical Center of Roanoke, Dr. Mock of Blue Ridge Cancer Center and Dr. Findel, Oncology Department Carilion Medical Center and numerous friends who lifted him up in prayer throughout his entire medical struggle. He was extremely grateful for each and every one. The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.
