Larry Sturm

Larry Sturm, 83, of Pedlar Mills, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on November 18, 1942, in Porterwood, West Virginia, Larry was the son of the late George Dewey Sturm and Edith Marie Phillips Sturm.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Florence Higgs Sturm; his daughter, Rhonda Lynne Sturm; and six siblings, Jack Sturm, Betty Sturm Mexic, William Sturm, Ira J. Sturm, Mildred Teeman, and his twin brother, Jerry Sturm.

Larry’s greatest blessing in life was marrying the love of his life, Florence Higgs Sturm. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and unconditional love. Their home was always open to family, friends, and neighbors, and their partnership served as the foundation upon which generations of memories were made. Though Florence preceded him in death, Larry carried her love with him every day, and the devotion they shared remained evident throughout his life.

Known throughout the community as the unofficial “Mayor of Pedlar Mills,” Larry never met a stranger and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He was a devoted member of Clifford Baptist Church and spent a lifetime serving others through his work, his talents, and his generous heart.

Larry’s life was defined by hard work, ingenuity, and an unmatched ability to solve problems. A true jack of all trades, he could fix just about anything placed before him. Throughout his career, he worked For Bell Electric in Washington DC, for K & K Mobile Homes in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and later for BellSouth Telephone Company, which eventually brought him to Virginia. He played a significant role in the early development of cable television in Amherst County, helping construct infrastructure that expanded service from just a handful of customers to much of the county. Among the many projects he helped bring to life was the 440-foot communications tower located behind the former Amherst Motors and the first computer center for Sweet Briar College.

Over the years, Larry wore many hats. He worked as a plumber, electrician, mechanic, laborer, entrepreneur, and Director of Maintenance at Sweet Briar College. He owned and operated businesses ranging from satellite communications services to mobile home moving. To those who knew him, Larry was the person you called when something was broken, because chances were he could figure out how to fix it. As his family often joked, whatever he repaired might have a “Larry Sturm twist” to it, but it would work.

Larry was also well known throughout the amateur radio community by his call sign, KG4PJX. Through his HAMM radio connections, he formed friendships that stretched far beyond his local community.

While Larry’s accomplishments were many, his greatest joy was his family. He built more than homes and towers; he built gathering places, memories, and a legacy of love. He expanded the family home into a place of comfort and refuge where children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends gathered over the years. The memories created there will be treasured for generations.

Those who loved Larry knew him as a man of remarkable intelligence, curiosity, and determination. He was highly educated, continuously learning, and always eager to take on a new challenge. Yet despite his knowledge and accomplishments, he remained humble, approachable, and deeply committed to helping others.

Above all, Larry was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend. His family was the center of his world, and he was always present when they needed him. Though he could repair nearly anything, as his daughter lovingly reflected, “he could fix anything and everything except my broken heart in his passing.”

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Rebecca Lee “Teen” Farley and her husband, Lesley; Rene Lynnette Sturm; and Robert Larry Sturm (Leslie), Gary Clauser; nine grandchildren, Christopher, Ashlie (Lamont), Areille (Kevin), Victoria, Gabreille (Tres), Justin (Chasity), Trevor, Kristin (Casey), and Mikayla (Jaymek); six great-grandchildren, Rajae, Aden, Elias, Asher, Javi, and Jaiden; his brother, Kenneth Sturm (Sue) and his beloved furry rescue companion, LadyBug 3.0, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Larry’s memory, the family asks that donations be made to Clifford Baptist Church.

A funeral service celebrating Larry’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Clifford Baptist Church with Rev. Jeffrey Campbell and Rev. Nathan Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Allwood Cemetery at El Bethel Church.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory in Madison Heights, and one hour prior to the service beginning at noon on Wednesday at Clifford Baptist Church and all other times at 268 Wagon Trail Road, Monroe, VA.

To send condolences online, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Madison Heights, is serving the family.