Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Larry Eugene Allison, 77, of Wake Forest, passed away Monday morning, March 9, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Alamance County on January 12, 1949 to the late Alton & Thelma Allison
Larry had a love for making and repairing things from a young age. That passion grew into a lifelong career as a mechanic and machinist. Over the years, he built a successful automotive repair business with multiple locations in the Alamance County area. Known throughout the local racing community, Larry had a deep passion for motorsports and spent countless hours behind the scenes building engines, repairing cars, and helping teams prepare for race day. While he may not always have been the one behind the wheel, he was often the reason the car made it to the track. His knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to help anyone who needed it earned him the respect and admiration of friends, family, and fellow racers alike.
In 1999, Larry slowed down to pursue some of his other joys in life. He still enjoyed tinkering on cars for family and friends, but also made time to enjoy time at Atlantic Beach. He was the kind of man who believed in fixing things rather than throwing them away, and that mindset carried through both his work and the way he lived his life.
Larry’s greatest joy was helping others. To him, no one was ever a stranger. He carried the weight of the world on his shoulders for his friends and was always willing to lend a hand without expecting anything in return. His quiet dedication, mechanical skill, and generous spirit touched the lives of many and will long be remembered by those who knew him.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Mr. Allison is survived by his wife, Edna Williams Allison; children, John “Tony” Sharpe of Mebane, Douglas “G” Sharpe of Mebane, Connie Maness & husband James of Haw River, and Jerry Davis & wife Kelly of Henderson; grandchildren, Gracie Montgomery, Caison Sharpe, Peyton Sharpe, Eva Duggins, Sirus Lee, Jessica Wiggington, Zachary Davis and Connor Belair; great-grandchildren, Trey Pollard and Rowen Belair; siblings, Gary Allison & wife Renee of Graham and Donna Greene & husband Marty of Mebane; along with several nieces, nephews and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Allison.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Duke Hospice, 4023 N Roxboro St., Durham, NC 27704. (www.gifts.duke.edu)
Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)