Larry Douglas Oglesby

Larry Douglas Oglesby, of Ladson, South Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. Larry was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on June 30, 1955, to the late Leslie “Pop” Oglesby and the late Carolyn “Miss Cat” Harris Oglesby. He was the fourth of five children.

As a young child, Larry moved often while following his father’s Naval orders, eventually settling in Charleston, South Carolina, as a youth. He often recalled fond memories of his early years fishing, hunting, and combing shorelines with his brothers in Key West, Florida. He spoke fondly of summers spent hunting gators and squirrels in the Louisiana bayou with his grandparents and family.

Larry proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 to 1978. He was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of the elite Sniper Third Division. He often shared stories of his service with anyone who took the time to listen. Larry had the best stories and a unique gift for framing even the most intense memories with the humor and wit for which he was so well known. Often, he would recall tough times with a bit of a wink, just to let you know he was okay.

Larry was deeply proud of his military service and proudly displayed his American and U.S. Marine Corps flags in his yard, where they still fly high today. His quick wit and kind temperament will remain a cherished part of his legacy.

Larry’s green eyes, uniform, and deep chin dimple are what first caught the eye of a young, untamed Willis girl in the early 1970s. She would become the same girl he chose to marry and build a life with for the next 52 years. Larry married Cynthia “Cyndi” Willis on September 26, 1976, in a small ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina. Together, they welcomed two daughters: Amber in 1977 and Heather in 1982. Larry and Cyndi always called each other their best friends. It was often said, when you saw Larry, you saw Cyndi. Larry retired from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office in 2001.

Undeniably, the most lasting part of Larry’s legacy is his grandchildren and the special relationships he shared with each of his grandsons and granddaughters. He was an amazing Papa who would help anyone with anything. He was known to put a lampshade on his head to hide during epic games of hide-and-seek with the littlest grandkids or could be seen in head-to-toe swamp man gear while trick or treating with the entire gang. There are quite literally hundreds of pictures where you will find Larry pointing off to the sky, something he did just to get a laugh from his family. He was an expert at fixing anything. If he did not know how to do it, rest assured, he would figure out a way.

Larry was fortunate to live a healthy life until this January, when he was diagnosed with cancer, sadly caused by toxic exposure during his years of military service. Though the last several months of his life were difficult, he kept his kindness and his humor until the very end.

His last real laugh came the day before his death, when he was told Dolly Parton would now be in heaven to welcome him with open arms. Larry opened his eyes, winked and smiled, then held up his hands to imitate hugging Dolly. It was a sweet, beautiful moment his family will hold on to in the days to come.

Larry is survived by his wife, Cyndi, of Ladson; his daughter, Amber Willis, M.D., of Summerville; and daughter, Heather Follett (Patrick), R.N., also of Summerville. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jayden Follett (Mikayla), Jensyn Follett, Kendyll Hallmark, Keegan Follett, Ariella Hallmark, Cooper Willis, Levi Theriault, Gabi Theriault, and Jaxson Theriault. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. In January 2027, Larry and Cyndi’s family will welcome their first great-grandson, Waylon Charles- Douglas Follett.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center for the compassionate care, respect, and kindness shown to Larry and the entire family during his difficult hospitalizations. The care taken to give Larry a final walk of honor is something the family will cherish forever.

The family would also like to give a special thank you to the loved ones who truly rallied during the most difficult days, including Tracy Williams, Kjersti and Douglas Franklin, Snooky Woodson, Sandy Hutson, Debbie Willis, Carolyn Percival, Mary Morton, and Amanda Boor.

Cyndi would like to extend her sincere appreciation to all who have reached out to offer their love and support as she navigates this difficult new journey.

Larry’s relatives and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, South Carolina. His memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1519 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Charleston, South Carolina, with a viewing scheduled one hour prior.

Larry will be laid to eternal rest at Live Oak Memorial Gardens, where he will join many loved ones who passed before him.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414 (843) 722-8371.