Larry Sumner Milstead

Larry Sumner Milstead of Kings Mountain, North Carolina went to his heavenly home on July 18, 2024, surrounded by his family and in the care of Gaston Hospice. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware on December 31, 1942, to the late Rev. Lawrence Milstead and Vergie Sumner Milstead. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harlan Milstead and wife, Helen; brother-in-law, Jim Beck, and infant sister, Jennie Ann Milstead.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Addie Milstead; daughters, Jenny Barber (Chris), Julie Marine (Mike), and grandchildren, Logan and Ragan Barber who brought great joy to his life. He is also survived by his brother, Rev. Don Milstead (Carol); sisters, Ilean Beck and Mary Ellen Covington (Michael) as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He graduated from Central Wesleyan College (now Southern Wesleyan University) with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1965. He sang with a men’s college quartet while in college and had a beautiful bass voice. He also received his master’s in education from UNCC and an EDS in Education from Appalachian State University. He was employed as a teacher and administrator with Gaston County Schools for 33 years. Larry and Addie moved to Kings Mountain, North Carolina in 1965 where he accepted his first teaching position. He also taught at Hunter Huss High School, Stanley Middle School, and served as assistant Principal at Robinson Elementary School for 14 years where he retired in 1998.

He was a faithful and active member of Firestone Wesleyan Church in Gastonia where he served as a Sunday School teacher of the Home Builders Class for 40 years and sang in the choir as well as serving on various committees. He had a love for missions and went on short term mission trips to Haiti. He then accepted the Lord’s calling on his life to become a full-time overseas missionary representing the Wesleyan Church. He took his family to serve at Choma Secondary School in Zambia, Africa where they served for almost 3 years.

Larry loved his family and friends and enjoyed life. He never met a stranger. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son brother, and friend. He always had a smile on his face and thanked you for anything you did for him up until his very last hours here on this earth. He loved watching sports and was an avid Atlanta Braves and UNC Tar Heel fan. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, and had a special interest in older/antique cars. He especially was a proud pawpaw to his two grandchildren, Logan and Ragan Barber who he spent lots of time with. A favorite activity was going to watch their various games as they both were very involved in sports. He was their number one fan. Larry also enjoyed going out to eat for breakfast and loved anything seafood. He was a wonderful Christian man who loved the Lord, and you could see him living his faith daily. He will be missed by his family and all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Firestone Wesleyan Church, Gastonia. Larry’s Funeral Service will be on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 11:00 am at Firestone Wesleyan Church with Rev. Don Avore and Rev. Don Milstead officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Firestone Wesleyan Church, 1700 Union Rd., Gastonia, North Carolina 28054.