Wednesday, January 5, 2022 11:41 am

Lawrence A. Brown, "Larry", age 70 of Forest City passed away December 17, 2021.

He was a native of Detroit, Michigan and the son of the late George and Rita Brown.

Larry is survived by his wife Patti, two brothers, Bill of Orlando, Florida and Jerry of Detroit, Michigan, his father-in-law, Davis Poplin, two sisters-in-law, Sheila and David Dotson of Murphy, and Kathy and Chuck Oleksa of Raleigh, and a number of nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Shrine of Little Flower in Royal Oaks, Michigan and Olivet College in Olivet, Michigan. Larry retired as Executive Director of Rutherford Life Services. He started numerous programs to better meet the needs of the handicapped, mentally challenged and the elderly. He started Rutherford Life Care for people with Alzheimer's.

A memorial mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church at 12 o'clock noon January 8, 2022, celebrated by the Rev. Father Hubert Burke and Deacon Andy Cilone.

The family will continue to celebrate the life of Larry with a second service in the Chapel of The Padgett and King Mortuary at 1:30 January 8, 2022, with Rev. Dr. Bobby Gantt officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the mortuary.

Memorials in his memory may be made to Rutherford Life Services, 230 Fairground Rd, Spindale, NC 28160 or Florence Baptist Church Building Fund, 201 S Broadway St, Forest City, NC 28043.