Larry Dan Wilder Sr

Larry Dan Wilder, Sr., 85 of Oxford Rd., Henderson, died peacefully Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the SECU Hospice House of Johnston County in Smithfield. At his request, no public services will be held.

Mr. Wilder was born May 7, 1941 in Franklin County, the son of Marvin Edward Wilder Sr., and Doxie Pearl Ayscue Wilder. He was owner/operator of Larry’s Service Company in Henderson for over 49 years.

He was a man known by many names, Larry to his employees, clients and friends, “LD” by his beloved wife of over 61 years, Ann Stewart Wilder, and “Papa” to his family and more importantly, the treasured grandchildren. Aside from Ann, no one brought a smile to his face more than them. He was preceded in death by his parents and Stepmother, Lucille Wilder, his wife, Ann in 2022, and has waited patiently since to join her; his brothers, Tommy Wilder and Marvin “Popcorn” Wilder, Jr., and stepbrother, Hartwell Mitchell.

A self described “Grinch”, he was everything but. As a local businessman, he was very supportive of local businesses and charities. He was a very giving man, anything he had and especially his love. Visits from the family to “Meme and Papas” will be treasured memories for all. Years ago, there were the fondly remembered trips to the NASCAR races, with employees and family alike, and on Sundays, you didn’t expect him to be doing anything else but watching the races. He later developed a passion for streaming television, going down rabbit holes you just had to see to believe. His most treasured objects were his tv remote and his chair that could fix everything wrong with him. The only thing we heard Papa say he would have done differently is to have traveled more on Meme’s (Ann’s) famed road trips!

Papa is survived by his daughter, Laurie Wilder McIntyre (Bobby, Jr.) of Mt. Gilead NC; son, Larry “Bud” Dan Wilder, Jr (Leslie) of Henderson; sister, Jane Tillotson of Henderson; Grandchildren, Sarahann McIntyre of Charlotte, Larry “Buddy” Wilder III of Henderson and Bobby Ray McIntyre, III, of Mt. Gilead; Sisters-in-law, Alice Wilder of Henderson and Wanda Ellis (Dr. Jon) of Gray TN; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tri County Shrine Club, PO Box 1949, Henderson NC 27536 or the American Legion Post 60 of Vance County, 110 E. Spring St., Henderson NC 27536

Briggs-Candor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.