Larry Douglas Kearse, Sr., 62, of Irmo, South Carolina passed away September 18, 2016 in Irmo, South Carolina. He was born on January 6, 1954 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Douglas and Evelyn McMillan Kearse. Larry was a 1972 graduate of Columbia High School. He was an honor student and an athlete. Larry had a congressional nomination and was accepted to the United States Naval Academy. He declined the appointment and continued his education in South Carolina. He attended Wofford College, graduating in 1976 with a degree in History. Larry began his 34 year teaching career at W.A. Perry Middle School where he taught social studies and coached girls' and boys' basketball. He moved to Columbia High School in 1988 where he was a Teacher, Athletic Director and Dean of Students. He was a recipient of the Christine Webb Humanitarian Award in 1996. Larry was a dedicated and devoted teacher. Many of his former students and colleagues have reached out to express what a positive influence and real difference he made in their lives. He retired in 2012, but continued his service to the school by assuming the duties as a member of the chain crew at most home football games. Larry was strong in his faith. He was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church where he served his church and community with the United Methodist Men. When Larry was not giving of his talents to his community, he enjoyed watching sports, playing backgammon, card games and frequent trips to the beach. Larry most loved spending time with his family. Anytime that they could gather were precious moments for him. He will be missed by those he loved and those who loved him. Larry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Charlene Price Kearse; son, Douglas Kearse, Jr.; sister, Janet K. Watkins; brothers in law, Alvin Price (Lou), Keith Price, and Sam Price (Susie); nieces, Corrie Lynn Brannan, (Jamie), Savannah Watkins, Jessica Price, Felicia Wise (Adam), Eliza Price, Emily Price, Sarah Price, Hannah Price, Candace Price, Nicole Abbott; nephews, Kevin Price, Matthew Bennett, Ethan Price; and ten great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Friday, September 23, 2016 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at Virginia Wingard Memorial U.M.C., 1500 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 with Reverend Murray Snow and Reverend Scott Smoak officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 following the service. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 410 Harbison Blvd, Columbia, SC 29212 or to the Larry Kearse Centennial Scholarship Fund. Checks for the scholarship fund can be sent to the CHS Foundation, C/O Dick Addy, 2012 Elm Abode Terrace, Columbia, SC 29210.