Larry Hensel Fitzgerald, age 72, of Independence, VA passed away on September 30, 2023, at the Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.  He was born on September 11, 1951, in Draper, Virginia to Hensel and Louisa Shaw Fitzgerald.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Bertie Mae Shaw and brother-in-law, David Anders.

Larry was a talented football player with the Grayson County Blue Devils.  He began working with Virginia Department of Transportation in 1973 and retired in 2019.  During his time at VDOT, he made many life-long friendships. He was a dedicated and loving father to his two boys and a devoted husband throughout his 51-year marriage.  He found great joy in playing jokes on his wife and will be remembered for hiding gifts in the Christmas tree.  He was a much-loved Papa to his grandchildren.  Larry was a valuable neighbor and friend to all who knew him.  He took great pride in his lawn and worked constantly seeing that it remained in the best condition.  His family are greatly comforted in knowing that he left this earth to gain eternal life, filled with joy and peace.

He is survived by his wife, Diann Anders Fitzgerald of the home; two sons:  Butch Fitzgerald of the home and Chad and Melissa Fitzgerald of Independence; grandchildren, Tyler Rutherford of Piper's Gap, VA and Aiden Fitzgerald of Independence; special cousin, Kenny and Debra Hancock of Draper, VA; brothers-in-law, Dean and Cindy Anders of Clarksville, VA, Lonnie and Melissa Darnell of Mouth of Wilson, VA; sister-in-law, Darlene and Elmer DeBoard of Mouth of Wilson, VA.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 12:00 noon at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Kenny Hancock officiating.  The family will receive friends from 11:00-12:00 noon prior to the funeral at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in the Fitzgerald Family Cemetery at the home.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Fitzgerald Family Cemetery c/o Chad Fitzgerald 1790 Cornerstone Road Independence, VA 24348.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence is serving the Fitzgerald family.