Larry Joe Roots
Larry Joe Roots, age 85, of Lynchburg, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Born on February 28, 1941, in Wichita, Kansas, he was the son of the late George Walter Roots and Sylvia Jean Roots. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Ann Templeton, and his brother, Michael Roots.
In elementary school, Larry began a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through Good News Club (CEF). Together, Larry and his beloved wife, Bonnie, built their lives on this shared faith, which guided their family and ministry. Larry’s passion was sharing about the ultimate Artist—God—and His creation.
Larry taught art from kindergarten through the university level in Missouri, Mississippi, Virginia (including Liberty University and Liberty Christian Academy). He and Bonnie also spent 20 years serving as educators and in pastoral through the Network of International Christian Schools in South Korea and Brazil.
Larry and Bonnie were active members of Thomas Road Baptist Church. After retirement, Larry devoted 10 years to prison outreach, sharing the beautiful hope of the gospel. Together, they also spent significant time in Uganda at Good Shepherd’s Fold, investing in the lives of children.
Known affectionately as “Poppy,” Larry cherished time with his family, especially alongside Bonnie, his partner of 63 years. He was a gifted artist who loved to paint, draw, and sculpt, and he enjoyed caring for family pets. Together, Larry and Bonnie created a home marked by creativity, compassion, and deep faith. Many came to see them as parental figures, including nearly ten foster children welcomed into their home.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Bonnie J. Roots; two children, Amy K. Gwartney (Mark) and Richard K. Roots; one sister, Carol R. Gilliam; son-in-law, Darrell Templeton; nine grandchildren, Lauren McHenry, Lexi Stinnette (Chris), Matt Moser (Katy), Reanna Roots, Caralina Gwartney, Levi Templeton (Sara), Elizabeth Gwartney, Titus Gwartney (Alyssa), and Rebecca Busikwa; and six great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating. A reception will follow the service.
As lifelong educators, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Good Shepherd’s Fold Scholarship Program in lieu of flowers at https://globaloutreach.org/giving/project-details/gsf-scholarships.
