Mr. Larry Jay Umberger Sr., 68, died unexpectedly August 25, 2017.

He was born in Rochester, Ind., Feb. 24, 1949, to Donna Spencer and James Umberger. The oldest of 6 children, he excelled at sports and spent most of his summers working on his grandfather’s farm. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Karen Rhoads, on Aug. 30, 1969. They would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this month. He worked as a construction project manager which moved him and his wife around the country in the early years of their marriage. They settled down in Mocksville in 1982, with their four children. He was active in the community sports programs, coaching and always cheering for his children in sports and life. He welcomed his first of eight grandchildren in 2002, and found a new happiness and more love. He loved his grandbabies and enjoyed every aspect that being “Poppy” had to bring.  He and his wife enjoyed traveling the country and looked forward to an upcoming trip to reconnect with old friends. On the weekends, they often found an auction to go to or would simply venture out to yard sales or antique sales. He could fix almost anything and was not scared of a challenge. His kids could always count on his willingness to help around their homes and he enjoyed projects around his own.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Umberger; stepfather, John Spencer; father-in-law, John Rhoads; niece, Christy Bissinger; and a brother-in-law, Gary Smith.

Survivors: his wife of 48 years, Karen R. Umberger, of the home; his daughters, Shannon (Chris) Patton of Mocksville, Gretchen (Jimmy) Steelman of Fuquay-Varina and Erin Umberger of Mocksville; his son, Larry Umberger Jr. (Mandy) of Raleigh; his grandchildren, David, Ian, and Jaynie Patton of Mocksville, Ryder and Ryan Steelman of Fuquay-Varina, Mackenzie Umberger of Mocksville, Larry Umberger III “Jay” and Mary Umberger of Raleigh; his mother, Donna Spencer of Cicero, Ind.; his mother-in-law, Jane Rhoads of McCormick, S.C.; his siblings, Twila Smith of Rochester, Ind., Kevin Spencer of Tipton, Ind., Kim (Russ) Milkey of Arcadia, Ind., Brian (Carol) Spencer and Brenda (Kurt) King, all of Cicero, Ind.; along with many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Advance with Revs. Chuck Baker and Dan Martin officiating. The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28 at Eaton Funeral Home.

Memorials: American Heart Assoc., PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216; or Bethlehem UMC Cemetery Fund, c/o James C. Howard, 430 Hilton Rd., Advance, 27006.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.