Larry J. Wilson

Larry J. Wilson, age 85, of Greenville, passed away Monday afternoon, January 15, 2024 at Hathaway Hills in Greenville. The son of Arthur & Esther (Morris) Wilson, he was born on September 4, 1938 in Belding. As a young man, Larry enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country stateside, as well as abroad in Morocco, with his last duty aboard the U.S.S. Newport News during the Korean War. After his tour of duty, and having worked a few years for others in the community, Larry opened a party store on the north end of Greenville, eventually leading to the opening of Larry’s Northtown Furniture & Appliance in 1975. In addition to Larry’s focus on his family, friends, customers, and employees, Larry’s love for his community has been evidenced in his active involvement in Big Brothers and Big Sisters, sponsorships of race cars at Crystal Motor Speedway, as well as many softball and other school and community sports/arts/betterment opportunities, and even a stint on the Greenville School Board. When not at the store, Larry delighted in time spent on the pontoon with his family at Back Turk Lake, where he made his home for many years. Larry enjoyed listening to classic rock and country music, live bands, and dancing. Larry’s integrity and fairness in business have created not only a loyal customer base but many true friendships. His grandson, Scott, shared, “It's hard to imagine walking through the doors and not seeing his smiling face behind the counter anymore, but I am thankful that the legacy he worked so hard to build will continue.” He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, L. Scott Wilson on July 24, 2006; four sisters, Patricia Petersen, Barbara Phillip, Arlene Rieckman, Dixie Kooienga; and three brothers, W. Owen Wilson, Michael A. Wilson, and Tom Wilson. Surviving are his life partner of the last 34 years, Paula Brancheau of Greenville; two daughters, Deb Foster of Greenville, and Kim Hall of Decatur, Illinois; two step-daughters, Carrie & Andy Daenzer of Greenville, and Cristine & Todd Fuhrman of Greenville; his grandchildren, Nick Muns, Rev. Scott M. & Amy Hall, Beth & Jason Matthews, Corey & Jeana Wilson, Jessica Evans & Daniel Proctor, Kelly & Jeff MacDonald, Wendy Roberts & Justin Plushkat, Paul & Sherri Roberts, Morgan & Arthur Meadows, Lucas Fuhrman, Emily Daenzer & Stephen C., Isaiah & Jessica Daenzer, and Lily Daenzer; many great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; two brothers, Fran & Nancy Wilson, and Richard & Barbara Wilson; siblings-in-law, Clair Wilson, Jerry Kooienga, and Barry Phillip; and many, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, and from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church, 12501 Montcalm Road, Greenville, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Larry’s grandson, the Rev. Scott M. Hall, pastor of Faith Baptist Church of South Shores in Decatur, Illinois, will officiate and military honors, rendered jointly by the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post 101 and the U.S. Navy will conclude the ceremonies. Burial will take place privately at Rest Haven Memory Gardens, Belding, in the spring. Instead of flowers, Larry would have appreciated contributions in his memory to Emmanuel Hospice or any of the local charities, churches, and organizations that do so much good in the community. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Larry’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com For those unable to attend Friday’s funeral ceremony in person, a livestream broadcast will be available on the funeral home website. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Larry J. Wilson, please visit our flower store.