James Larry Boles

James Larry Boles, 85, of Norwood, died peacefully Monday June 23, 2025, at the Greens Nursing and Rehabilitation in Pinehurst. Larry was born in Norwood on May 23, 1940, to the late James A. and Carrie Clontz Boles. He graduated from Norwood High School, Class of 1958, and was the Drum Major of the high school band. 

Larry and his family moved to Aberdeen in September of 1970, after they bought the Western Auto Store from Mrs. Gross. They ran the business until it was sold in 1982. Larry was very instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Aberdeen. He was involved with the Aberdeen Jaycees and was instrumental in starting little league baseball for the community at the Colonial Heights ballfield. He is a member of the Southern Pines Elks Lodge #1692 for over 50 years, and served as a past Exalted Ruler. He has over 56 years with the Roman Eagle Masonic Lodge #550 in Aberdeen, a 32° Scottish Rite Mason, an Oasis Shriner, and a member of the Moore County Shriner’s Club. He was a North Carolina Realtor for over 50 years. He was also a North Carolina Licensed Funeral Director for over 25 years. He was a member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church and enjoyed playing on their softball team. 

Larry was a true entrepreneur, he loved Aberdeen, and Aberdeen was good to him. 

In his later years, his interest turned to collecting toy cap guns, where he became known nationally as the “Cap Gun King”. He was once featured in Our State magazine and other NC media for his cap gun collection. He enjoyed repairing and restoring them. He was also known for his knowledge and passion of gold and silver. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twin sons, Jimmy and Timmy, and his sister Gaybrielle Boles Morgan. 

He is survived by his two sons: James L. “Jamie” Boles, Jr., of Whispering Pines, and Richard L. (Sharon Robson) Boles of Laurinburg; six grandchildren: Erin Nance, Emily (Gabe) Nickle, Palmer (Nicole Furr) Boles, Glenn (Carrie Christopher) Boles, Kelsie Lea (Raven) Lucas, and Richard “Richie” Boles; seven great- grandchildren: Jackson, Kinsie, Sampson, Swayze, Ella, Waylon and Arlo; two brothers: Speedy (Sherry) Boles of Norwood and Truett Boles of Kannapolis; and a sister: Genevieve Boles Sumner of Norwood. 

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. The family will also receive friends at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 12-2pm, followed by a graveside service in the Norwood Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made in Larry’s name to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Rd., Oxford, NC 27565 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605. 

Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines and Richard Boles Funeral Home of Laurinburg are in charge of arrangements.