Larry G. Bale, 87, of Sanford, North Carolina, and formerly of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on June 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family following a sudden illness.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, June Morris Bale, who was also his sixth-grade sweetheart; two daughters, Anne Holland Braden (Bobby) of Raceland, Kentucky, and Katherine Elizabeth “Beth” Bale (Alli Hearne) of Sanford, North Carolina; two granddaughters, Abigail Braden (Sean Igoe) of New Haven, Connecticut, and Sarah Braden of Flatwoods, Kentucky; and one great-granddaughter, Harper Wellman of Flatwoods, Kentucky. He also leaves behind his two cherished cats, Biscuit and Honey, who faithfully slept by his side each night.

Larry graduated from Larue County High School and attended Murray State University, where he was a starting member of the basketball team. He went on to coach high school basketball for several years before embarking on a successful career in sales. In later years, Larry and June owned and operated The Willow Tree, a ladies’ boutique in Louisville, Kentucky.
Larry will be remembered for his devotion to God, his family, his love of basketball and fishing, and sharing a good meal with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, the American Cancer Society, or a local hospice organization. A memorial service will be held at Church of Reconciliation at 110 N. Elliott Road in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.

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