Larry Russell Fisk, 80, of James Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Nativity Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Tuesday at the James A McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy.
Larry, also known as Papa, was born to Clem Cornelius Fisk (he was fond of letting people know that he was “Clem’s Son”) and Josephine Agnes Fisk, on January 18, 1943. He attended Rivers High School, where he played football and basketball, and graduated from Clemson University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, while also participating in their ROTC program. Larry furthered his education by attending night school at The Citadel (while working full-time), earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Larry began his professional career as an engineer with Avco Lycoming in Charleston before joining NAVFAC SOUTHDIV (Naval Facilities Engineering Command – Southern Division), where he spent most of his working career before retiring. His time with NAVFAC included a four-year assignment (in the early 1980’s) working and living in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He later worked post-retirement at Heery International, Inc. and then transitioned into volunteer work.
Larry was a dedicated member of Nativity Catholic Church, where he was a Lector for many years as well as serving as Project Manager on the construction of the new Nativity Life Center. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge #242 in Charleston and the Islander Shag Club. Larry was an avid tennis player and loved his Clemson Tigers. He enjoyed woodworking, loved weekends at Folly Beach and you could always catch him on the dance floor shagging with his wife. Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. That smile of his could light up any room.
Larry is survived by his wife, Francie Burn Fisk; his four children: Maria Fisk, Jennifer Fisk Johnston, Mark Fisk (Jill), Caroline Walasek (John); his four grandchildren: Kyle Fisk, Logan Walasek, Lawson Walasek, Taylor Fisk; and a brother, Carl Fisk (Peggy).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The ALS Association (donate.als.org) or the Charleston Animal Society (charlestonanimalsociety.org). The family would also like to express our deep gratitude to the ALS Clinic at the VA Hospital and the MUSC ICU for the special care and attention they showed Larry throughout the time he spent with them.
Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.