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William Larry Ware, 76, of Elkins, West Virginia, passed away Friday, July 12, 2024, peacefully at home. Born Dec. 3, 1947, the son of the late Roy William Ware and Melba Beatrice Spencer Ware.
Preceding him in death were also his sisters, Minnie Elizabeth Maruca and Josephine Levera Maruca Shreve; and brother, Charles Frances Maruca.
Originally from the small town of Junior, West Virginia, Larry moved to Elkins after marriage, but never stopped being proud of his Barbour County roots. He enjoyed a raspberry shake from Dairy King and a Sunday drive past his old homestead.
He was employed early on by Reidbord Brothers, Memorial General Hospital and Family Health Services before becoming self-employed.
Larry was a prominent citizen of Elkins, spending over 30 years as a successful business owner of Waretop Enterprises, served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA, Board of Trustees for First Baptist Church, and many other committees through the years. He spent just as many years serving the youth of Randolph County. Starting his coaching career in the Jerry West League at the YMCA, he eventually went on to coach at the secondary level with stops at Elkins High School, Elkins Middle School, and Tygarts Valley Middle and High Schools.
Coaching was never about winning or losing for Old Coach Ware – it was about the kids. His love for them was apparent at every level he coached.
After retiring from coaching, he spent several years as the color announcer for Elkins High School football and basketball as part of what was fondly referred to as the "Chad and Dad Show."
And to top off his athletic contributions he is permanently enshrined in the Randolph County Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the coaching staff for the 2003 Elkins High School football playoff team.
Larry was an avid golfer, achieving the illustrious "hole in one" accomplishment his second time on the Elks golf course.
He loved spending his Saturdays in the fall in Morgantown watching the Mountaineers, and his Sunday afternoons cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, and could be caught enjoying a good snooze while Gunsmoke or Bonanza played in the background, or singing along with 50s classic rock.
He was a lover of Christmas, Elvis Presley, a cold can of Diet Coke and a home cooked meal and most importantly, having his grandkids around.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Donna Jean Phillips Ware,; his son, Chad (Debbie); daughter, Mandy Hewitt (Adam); and his six precious grandchildren; ViviAnne Ware, Hannah Beam, CeCelia Ware, Chancellor Ware, Isaac Hewitt and GeorgiAnna Ware, as well as his sister-in law, Carolyn Korntop (Paul); and brothers-in-law, Jim Phillips (Betty) and Jerry Phillips; and many many cousins, nieces and nephews. Larry was a faithful follower of Jesus and attended Rivers of Living Waters Ministries.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the Summit Church in Elkins. A service will follow at 7 p.m., from the Summit Church, with Rev. Mike Boggs officiating.
Private interment will take place at Mountain State Memorial Gardens at Gilman.
To honor Larry's love of bright colors, the family request those attending Tuesday evening wear bright color clothing.
The family also requests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Rivers of Living Waters Ministries Building Fund- 6301 Back Road, Beverly, WV 26253 or Elkins High School Football, 28 Locust Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of Larry.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for William Larry Ware.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.