Lawrence Wayne Lenz ‘Larry’

Published 9:00 am Wednesday, May 15, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lawrence Wayne Lenz “Larry”. Larry was born on Dec. 17, 1946 in Washington, D.C. to John and Grace Lenz and took his last breath on May 7, in Warsaw, with his wife Lori holding his hand. He died at age 77, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Larry was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, colleague and friend. 

Larry graduated from Victoria High School in 1965, earned a bachelor of science degree from Roanoke College, a master’s degree from University of Richmond and a second master’s degree from University of Virginia. 

Mr. Lenz, as he was known by thousands of students in Virginia, was a teacher and a school leader / administrator in Petersburg City Schools, Culpeper County Public Schools, Buckingham County Public Schools and Essex County Public Schools. Larry was an active member of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP), serving two terms as president of the association and he served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Secondary Schools Principals. He also dedicated time to many education organization boards. 

As a high school principal for 22 years, Larry always greeted students as the buses arrived every morning and started each day with attention getting morning announcements. He ensured that students, faculty, staff, and families were safe and had excellent educational experiences. 

Larry retired from full-time employment in 2011, but continued his work in education as a consultant for VASSP. He was elected to the At Large position on the Essex County School Board in 2013, serving one term (2014 – 2018). He considered himself a statesman, not a politician. In a continued spirit of service, Larry was a hospital volunteer at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital for many years. He drove staff members and patients to and from the parking lot to the hospital in a golf cart and guided patients throughout the building. Public service was the foundation of Larry’s well-lived life. He always wanted to assist others in any way possible that positively affected their careers or lives. 

Larry was an involved member of several churches, most recently St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tappahannock. He served on the vestry, was in the choir, was an usher, lay reader, licensed Eucharistic minister, acolyte and church gardener. 

There wasn’t much spare time in Larry’s life, but in those precious moments, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, gardening, fishing, cooking, feeding the birds and the squirrels, reading – especially humor books, and relaxing with his feline friends. Kay, his last cat, was so devoted to him in his later years. Larry was happy doing chores at home and working in the yard. He was known for his dry wit and his love of bourbon and chocolate. 

Larry is survived by his wife and best friend, Lori; his sons, Hunter and Thomas; stepdaughter, Heather Wagoner (Ryan); grandson, Oli, and numerous other valued family members. 

The family is very grateful to all of the friends and neighbors who assisted and supported Larry and Lori over the past few years. We are eternally thankful for Dr. Dunn, Nurse Practitioner Kenya Cypress, the providers at VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital, UVA Adult Neurology Memory and Aging Care Clinic and the exceptional care at the Northern Neck Senior Care Community in Warsaw. 

There will be a visitation at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Marks-Bristow Chapel on Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at 206 N. Church Lane in Tappahannock. A memorial service celebrating Larry’s life will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 216 Duke Street in Tappahannock. A private interment will take place at a later date in Victoria. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, on Saturday, Oct. 5, Team-Larry’s Army of Angels-Team Captain: Lori Lenz https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2024/VA-GreaterRichmond?team_id=878840&pg=team&fr_id=17984. 

As Larry, who admired Bob Hope, said in his high school graduation speech every year, “Thanks for the memories”. We thank you Larry for so many memorable moments, which we will cherish forever. Rest in peace Larry.