Richard Dale “Dick” Larrabee

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’ (New International Version, Mat. 25.35-36).”

The above scripture epitomizes Richard “Dick” Larrabee who went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2018 while surrounded by his family. Dick had complications from a chronic lung disease that took his life at the age of 80 while visiting Grand Teton National Park. He was an adventurous soul right up to the end of his life.

Dick’s life began as a timid farm boy from Pennsylvania, but ended it as an integral member of the “Oak Grove” community in Durham, North Carolina. He spent many years supporting and building the Oak Grove Athletic Association where he served as President and coached baseball teams for many years (Hardees Little League). He was also a long-time member of the Fletcher’s Chapel Church which became an extended family for Dick, his wife Thelma, and their four children after they relocated from Minnesota with Dick’s job with IBM. He played an influential role in the lives of the church’s youth while serving as a Sunday School teacher and as a member of the Youth Ministry Team, where he touched the lives of many young people in our community.

Dick also worked with some of the local shelters for many years by providing fresh fruit for their members. He made many trips to the mountains of North Carolina for apples and to the sandhills for peaches. He also was a strong believer in preserving human life and founded a nonprofit, Pro-Life Art Gallery, to raise awareness into the bible scriptures supporting human life. Dick was a man of tremendous faith and love, and he displayed this every day of his life. He inspired countless others with his unwavering acts of kindness. His inability to meet a stranger left no one immune to his genuine interest in their lives.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife, Thelma Salsman Larrabee, of 61 years. Together, their love and care has been the backbone of their family. Dick’s legacy will be carried on by those he touched here on earth as he has gone to heaven to meet his parents, Benjamin and Lillian Larrabee, his son, Michael “Mike” Larrabee and his sister, Bessie Larrabee.

Dick leaves behind his wife, Thelma Salsman Larrabee; sons, Richard “Rich” Larrabee (Bridget), Robert “Bob” Larrabee (Lori); daughter, Pamela “Pam” Upchurch (Jeffrey); daughter-in-law, Lynn Larrabee; brother, James “Jim” Larrabee; sister, Belva “Bel” Ray; grandchildren, Caitlyn Larrabee, Samantha Larrabee, Elliott Larrabee, Lillian Larrabee, Tiffany Sims Taylor (David), Taylor Sims, Lexi Larrabee, Angela Pridgen (Will), Ashley McFalls, Ryan Larrabee, Davis Larrabee, Reagan Larrabee; great-grandchildren, Mia Leathers, Lilli Leathers, Waylon Pridgen.

A visitation will be held Friday, July 27, 2018 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Fletchers Chapel United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Clarence Parrish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to www.projectultrasound.org. Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com