Larry Reginald Crandall

Larry Reginald Crandall, age 83, a long time resident of Chicamuxen, Maryland, passed away on August 24, 2022. He was born September 27,1938 in Washington, D.C. to the late Louis Reginald Crandall and late Grace Mildred Hill Gilroy.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Ester L. Crandall, his step-father, Paul “Tom” B. Gilroy, Sr., and two brothers, Chancy M. Brolin and Gordon M. Gilroy.

As a young lad, he was raised on the Crandall Dairy Farm in Shady Side, Maryland with his sister Betty, after his father died in an auto accident.  A few years later, his mother moved them to Charles County where she met Tom Gilroy. They first lived on the Posey Farm in Chicamuxen and then settled at another farm, which is now known as the Chicamuxen Wildlife Preserve.  

As a teen, he was a boat builder in Accokeek, Maryland, before being drafted in the U.S. Army to Ft. Benning, GA in 1961. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and worked as a helper with Cecil Hepner’s painting business in Indian Head. He enjoyed it so much that he started his own business in the 1970’s, hiring some of the local young men to work for him. He had many fond and funny memories of each one of them, in which he talked about often. His success helped him become the primary painter for Swarey Home Builders in the 1980’s. While painting, he also had a passion for wood working by building model boats & furniture, whittling walking sticks, and repairing furniture for Ester’s antique business. He retired his painting business in the mid/late 1990’s, however, he continued his morning coffee ritual at Grinder’s Store faithfully, meeting up with all of his local buddies (which he started calling his ‘morning hen session’). He definitely had lots of chuckles and stories about that.

Classic cars, especially his old Mercury’s, Pontiac’s, panel trucks, and other models he owned also sparked his interest. He enjoyed going to car shows and always made sure he kept up-to-date regarding his son-in-law Allen’s car racing. His love for the outdoors continued with camping, boating, & fishing for many years at Goose Bay Marina.  Gardening, bird watching, and walks at local parks, which included the Chicamuxen farm he once lived on and Smallwood State Park in which he always referred to as his ‘waterfront property’ were also some of his favorite past times.

He was proud of all he accomplished and rarely complained about much. He’d always say “I did good for myself as a farm boy with not much education.” His good nature and humor made him a happy-go-lucky man, and was kind-hearted and overly generous to all he knew were in need.

His heart was full of beautiful memories with Ester since their teenage years and continued to reminisce about them after her passing. Additionally, another chapter began soon after when he met another special lady, Diane. She opened his heart to living life to it’s fullest, which evolved into many more years of wonderful memories that he truly cherished.

Larry loved his family greatly and asked about them often. He is survived by his daughter Carol Crandall Wathen and his son-in-law Allen Wathen, who both lovingly cared for him over the past several years; daughter Darlene Crandall; and known as “Pops” by his grandchildren Jackie, Shawn, Joshua, and Danielle, and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Crandall Gilroy, brothers Paul Gilroy, Jr., Gary Gilroy, and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at the Chicamuxen Methodist Church on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Bay Journal Fund, PO Box 300, Mayo, MD 21106-0300.

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