Larry Lennon Ennis

Larry Lennon Ennis, 87, of King, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday May 3, 2024.

Larry was born in Buies Creek, NC, to Clara and Judd Ennis on November 18, 1936. Larry enlisted in the US Air Force in 1957 and served for over 22 years in various locations around the world. He was awarded several medals during his service, most notably The Air Force Commendation Medal, awarded for outstanding achievement providing aircraft maintenance support for the President of the United States, White House Staff, and the Press during the Presidential Conference with the President of France and the Prime Minister of Portugal in the Azores. Upon his retirement as a Senior Master Sargent and the Flightline Branch and Squadron Maintenance Superintendent at Pope Air Force Base, he was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding meritorious service. Following his military career, he worked for the State of NC and also earned an Associate in Applied Science in Corrections Technology from Central Carolina Technical College.

Larry was a gifted storyteller and entertained family and friends with stories and songs. He enjoyed music from a young age and taught himself to play guitar.  He enjoyed boating, fishing and hunting. He was fond of performance vehicles and celebrated his 70th birthday by purchasing a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette, which he enjoyed driving.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Catherine V. Nolte Ennis; son Edward Ennis and wife Lee; daughter Mary Ennis, daughter Carole Cates and husband Darrell; his loving Grandchildren Maggie Ennis (Trevor Viehweg), Jacob Ennis (Lexi Baird), Clara Ennis (Andi Reinman), Darrell Cates, Jr., and Caroline Cates; one sister Flo Gray and husband Ron; and numerous nieces and nephews. There was nothing in this world he loved more than his family.

A private celebration of life, as well as burial in a Veterans Administration national cemetery, will be conducted at a later date.