John Lawrence "Larry" Harwell

July 4, 2024

MILLERS CREEK – John Lawrence “Larry” Harwell, 70, passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at his daughter’s residence in Millers Creek, NC.  He was born February 5, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee to John M. “Stick” and Nancy Talley Harwell.

Larry graduated from Myers Park High School in 1972 and attended Appalachian State University where he discovered his love for photography.  He was the founder of Carolina Photo Group and Co-Owner with Bay Jones of Larry Harwell Photography.  His 40-year career featured him and his art in multiple national magazines.

Larry enjoyed hunting, playing golf, taking pictures and being with his family and friends.  He earned the rank of Eagle Scout from Troop 1 in Charlotte.  Larry was an active member of AA where he inspired others along their journey to sobriety.  He was a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church and enjoyed serving as a driver for the van ministry of the Aldersgate Retirement Community.  Larry had a unique way of befriending people everywhere he went.  He created genuine relationships that left an indelible mark on all those he met.  Faith, family and friends were most important to him.

Larry is survived by his long-time partner, Paige Jennings; his children, Lauren Harwell Deal and her husband, Barrett of Millers Creek and Austin Harwell of Asheville and two granddaughters, Harper and Sawyer Deal.  Also surviving are his brother, Curtis Harwell (Tim Bissell) of New York; sister, Linda Collins (Ray Collins) of Winston-Salem; niece, Addison Collins of Raleigh; nephews, Davis Collins of Asheville, Nate Pamplin of Washington and Trent Pamplin of Oregon and lifelong friend, Jack Baker of Rock Hill.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road in Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends following the service in Jubilee Hall.  The service will be livestreamed at:  https://boxcast.tv/channel/avywlradrkwnpw81mpef for those unable to attend in person. 

Memorials may be offered in memory of Larry to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, PO Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017. (https://www.mtnvalleyhospice.org/ways-to-give/donate/)

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • hilary duncan

    I just found out that Larry passed last week. He and his entire family were dearly loved by our family.I have so many wonderful memories that included them. I wish lots of peace and love to everyone who knew and loved him, he was a very special human being.Rest in Peace, Larry.

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  • Willis Palmer

    I only knew Larry through a mutual friend and our semi-annual golfing trips over the last 20 years, but we quickly became friends and texted each other on a regular basis. It didn’t take me long to realize that Larry was a very compassionate and extremely funny guy. He always kept our golfing group laughing with his funny stories and great one-liners. He loved Paige and spoke of her often. Larry was a very hard worker as an accomplished professional photographer. He shared his amazing photography with me on several occasions. I’ll always have great memories of Larry, and treasure his friendship. Prayers for Paige and the family.

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  • Trent Pamplin

    My Uncle Larry

    Larry was my uncle. He stands out as someone who made others laugh with the way he told stories, described events and had a comedic timing second to none.

    He had the courage and talent to make a living running his own business which as I grew older, I respected more and more….its not easy and he did it so well. As a young man, he took me out on an early morning sunrise photo shoot of a commercial building to show me first hand what he did. He was a master. I saw him spend a tremendous amount of time setting up to take a picture of Denali at sunset in the reflection of a puddle. He was most alive in those moments.

    He so loved his kids, my cousins Lauren and Austin. He was very proud of them both and I know that without a doubt.

    I have wonderful memories of being in NC over Christmas and hearing Larry proclaim when they were sleeping that they were just recharging their batteries! ;)

    Linda (my aunt) and Larry invited me to the NC coast after I graduated as an undergrad and we all had such a blast at a beach house. He treated me as an equal and so enjoyed his company and perspective on life. He even took me along to a friend’s bachelor party and that is a story for another time! ;)

    Last month, I called Larry and told him how he inspired me to have my own business as well at one period of my life and we had a lovely chat.

    Rest now Uncle Larry and thank you for being such a bright spot in this world. I love you and will never forget you as will see the beauty in reflections in glass, water, ice or the like and think of you.

    With all my love,

    Trent Pamplin

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  • Laurie Mann Oliver

    Another great one lost. Larry was a good friend of my brotherr, Joe Mann. He really enjoyed thier friendship. I am sure they have already shared a golf game in heaven. God Bless his family

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  • Bill Guerrant

    Creative, full of ideas, helpful, fair and fun: that's how I remember dear Larry. I used his photography skills and images for many marketing materials and he was always a great pleasure to work with. Larry will have a lasting legacy in documenting Charlotte's growth with his beautiful aerials and street level photographs. May we all have his deep spirit, sparkling eyes and cheerful smile that were his greatest gift. Peace always my friend.

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  • Paula Moss

    Larry was an amazing man. I was fortunate to work with him on many occasions and he was widely recognized as the "go to" for commercial real estate photography. His warm and funny personality was infectious. You will be missed.

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  • Rush Dunaway

    Larry we'll miss you greatly. What a true friend he was to many. Larry was one of the funniest guys I ever met, a quick wit, always could make anyone laugh. Besides a great photographer, Larry could have been a famous stand up comedian ! Always a smile on his face.
    Everyone loved being around "Harwell",as he was "holding court" as folks gathered around to hear Harwell's jokes.
    Again, "The Gang" will miss you, as will many people in the Charlotte area. He was dedicated to his Church and family, and dedication to driving the Van for MPUMC to get some of the Congregation to Church. We'll miss you . Love you man !
    Rush

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  • Ben Clanton

    Outstanding talent and a personality that stays with you. Great life with admiration from everyone he met.
    Deepest condolences to all family and friends!

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  • DWAINE HOLDEN

    I met Larry in the early 1980's. He was my 'go to' source for aerial photographs of commercial properties in Charlotte and the Carolinas. What a nice guy, always working for the customer. To his family, please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences for your loss.

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  • Pat Willis

    Great man Larry Harrell love you Larry see you in heaven

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