Larry William Francis, 83, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the compassionate care of hospice.

Larry was a proud veteran, a graduate of the University of Virginia, and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He spent much of his career with International Paper, where he was known for his dedication, professionalism, and strong work ethic.

If you knew Larry, chances are you remember his smile. He had a gift for making people feel welcome because he truly never met a stranger. Whether he was striking up a conversation with someone new or dancing whenever music began to play, Larry lived with a joyful spirit that earned him the affectionate nickname "Dancing Larry." His warmth, laughter, and enthusiasm for life left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

One of the greatest blessings of Larry's life came later in life when he reconnected with Margaret Kathryn "Peggy" Johnson Francis at a Windsor High School reunion. Although they had attended the same high school years earlier, they had never really known one another. Their reunion sparked a new relationship that blossomed into a deep and lasting love. They were married in 2013, beginning a beautiful chapter filled with companionship, laughter, and adventure.

Together, Larry and Peggy traveled to Alaska, Italy, and Spain, and enjoyed countless road trips to Virginia to visit family and lifelong friends. They embraced every opportunity to create memories together and showed that it is never too late to find love and begin a new adventure.

When Larry married Peggy, he also became a devoted and much-loved member of the Barrett-Fore extended family. He embraced his role as husband, stepfather, and grandfather with love and kindness, and he quickly became an important part of the family he joined.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Kathryn "Peggy" Johnson Francis; his stepdaughter Amy Barrett; his stepdaughter KiKi Fore and her husband, Clint Fore; his stepson Creighton Barrett and his wife, Erin Barrett; and his six cherished grandchildren: Maggie, Chloe, Phoebe, and Lulie Fore, and Sunny and Bowie Barrett.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at his memory care community and the hospice team for the dignity, compassion, and exceptional care they provided during Larry’s final journey.

Larry will be remembered for his generous heart, infectious smile, love of dancing, and his ability to make everyone feel like a friend. Though "Dancing Larry" has taken his final dance, his love, laughter, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

May he rest in eternal peace.