John Paul Larden

Mr. John Paul Larden, age 52 of Sanford, NC transitioned to eternal rest Saturday, April 27, 2024. 

John Paul Larden, Jr. affectionately known to all as “Paul” was born in Germany on December 4, 1971, to the late John Paul Larden, Sr. and Janet Douglas Hill.

“Paul” received his education through Lee County Schools System. He begins his life’s journey on the ocean by joining the US Navy. He was a wartime veteran, serving during the Gulf War.

“Paul” was honorably discharged on October 13, 1994. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Battle “E” Award, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was a proud Navy Shipmate!

Even though his life journey on the ship ended, a “new” journey begins on land.

“Paul” attended Central Carolina Community College and received an associate degree in electronic engineering. He also attended Mount Olive College to obtain a bachelor's degree in Logistics- Supply Chain Management.

“Paul” worked in the restaurant and manufacturing industry. He was a cook at Fitzgerald’s Restaurant in Sanford. Fitzgerald’s was like a second family to him. He later worked at Weyerhaeuser, Caterpillar, Ingersoll Rand, EMC, Magnetti Marelli, GKN, BRS Aerospace, and Arauco. He received training in Six Sigma Lean Manufacturing, Supply Chain PMP, and Leadership Development Training.

“Paul” attended Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Moncure where he met Latita Seymore. They were married on August 16, 2016, and were blessed with a set of twins.

“Paul” was one of a kind. He had a way with words and would often say to his employees, “don’t come with problems but come with solutions.”

“Paul” was preceded in death by his parents, John Larden, Sr., and Janet Douglas Hill; sister, Yolanda Hooker; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Irene Larden; maternal grandparents, Lemuel and Josephine Douglas; aunts, Barbara Aaron, Diane Walker, and Pamela McNeil; and one uncle, Lemuel Douglas, Jr.

“Paul” leaves to cherish is life and legacy his wife, Latita Seymore Larden; children, John Larden, III, Uryan Larden (Courtney), Mayci Seymore, Melanie and Mallory Larden; two sisters, September Hill (Michael) and Crystal Hill; aunts, Vera McKoy, Etha Alexander, Hazel Atwater, Mary Oliver, Shelia Marshall, Laverne Douglas, Ruthie Douglas, and Lisa Douglas; uncle, James Douglas; brother in law, Quincy Fox (Tamera); one granddaughter, Amara; brothers for life, Donovan Smith, Montrece McLeod, William Murchison, Zeke Judd, Dwight Smith, and Chuck Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC