Obituary of Lawrence Edward Horine

Dr. Lawrence Edward Horine (Larry) finished the race on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 at Appalachian Brian Estates in Boone at the age of 91. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a determined athlete, passionate educator, patient mentor, and a wonderful dancer. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence as a champion for health, education, and physical activity. Larry was born on March 4th, 1931 in Colon, Panama. Growing up, he lived the idyllic life of the youngest in the tropics riding his Vespa scooter from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. During his years at Cristobal High School, Larry first met Mary Ellen Stacy, the brilliant valedictorian and cheerleader from a neighboring school who was, in his own words, "far out of his league." His marriage to Mary Ellen would last over 60 mostly joyous years before her passing in 2015. Following high school, Larry traveled from Panama to the United States to visit his siblings who were living in California and Colorado, and to make decisions about where to attend college. Initially, it might've been unclear if playing sports was Larry's ticket to higher education, or if higher education was Larry's ticket to playing more sports, but from the moment he stepped onto Colorado University at Boulder's campus in 1949 the two would become intrinsically tied. At CU Boulder he would become a living legend – formally inducted as such in their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 – and would letter in college football, baseball, and track and field in addition to obtaining his B.S., M.A., and Ed.S., and becoming a lifetime member of the Sigma Nu and Delta Phi Kappa fraternities. After graduation, Larry went on to play professional baseball both in Panama and for the minor league Philadelphia A's, and in 1956 was drafted into the NFL by the San Francisco 49'ers. Larry was commissioned into the US Air Force and spent two years at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico as a 1st Lieutenant before returning to Panama with Mary Ellen. He became the Superintendent of Athletics for the Panama Canal School System and supervised the design and construction of recreation centers across the Canal Zone, cementing a passion for physical education that would persist for the rest of his life. Further offers and accolades followed as Larry and Mary Ellen settled their young family in Boone, NC in 1968, where he took a position within Appalachian State Teacher's College in the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. He would later Chair the department for nearly a decade and quite literally write the textbook for it Administration of Physical Education and Sport Programs, (originally published in 1985, now in its fifth edition). Larry was pivotal in helping usher the college into the UNC System as Appalachian State University. Other accomplishments included founding and serving as the director for the International Studies Department, being awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Germany, and accepting further teaching positions awarded by the US Sports Academy in Cairo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur, and starting the first community-based nursing education program and cardiac rehab programs in the region. However, for all the hats worn and offices held in his professional life, the mantle Larry was most proud to wear was that of a husband and father. His children remember him as a dreamer with an indomitable spirit, quick to laugh and slow to anger, who was their favorite coach and most ardent fan both on and off the field. He and Mary Ellen would raise two ER physicians and an epidemiologist, each as individually driven and passionate as their parents. When tragedy struck the Horine family in 1998 with the early death of their middle son, Sherwood, Larry embraced his son's widow, Joni Horine, as another daughter and a life-long friend. Following his retirement at App State in 1994 with the rank of Faculty Emeritus, Larry settled into a happy life of being a grandad to eight kids, tirelessly striving to improve his physical abilities through strength and conditioning, and continuing his service in the community. Larry was on the planning committee for the Boone Greenway Trail and a vocal advocate for its plan and development. He also was one of the early advocates for healthy aging and helped start the High Country Senior Games. Larry fanatically participated in track and field events throughout his life but especially after he retired. Traveling to senior games and Master's Track and Field events all over the world was one of his greatest passions. Larry holds the state record in the shot put (age group 70-74) and finished 8th in the world in shot put, discus, and javelin in 1995. At age 91 he loyally participated in the High Country Senior games competition and no doubt intended to travel for subsequent events. Larry is survived by his children Stace E Horine (Sheila) of Asheville; Mary Sheryl Horine (Stacy) of Boone; and daughter-in-law Joni Horine of Boone. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren; Margaret K. Horine, Hannah W. Horine (Austin), and Joshua B. Horine of Asheville; Katherine P. Horine of Seattle; Zakary S. Horine, Grace S. Horine, Carlton J. Horine, Cole K. Horine of Boone; and one great-grandchild, Emma A.W. Horine of Asheville. He was predeceased by his parents Esther Conrad and Carlton Horine; his wife Mary Ellen Horine, four siblings Fern, Carlton, Conrad, and Emily Horine; and his son Sherwood Horine. The family would like to thank the exceptional loving care and friendship he received from the staff at Appalachian Brian Estates. Candice Ward, Debra Shore, and Nikki Chapko -- we will be forever grateful. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Middle Fork Greenway, PO Box 568, Boone, NC 28607~or~Global Engagement Scholarship Fund, c/o Appalachian State University Foundation, ASU Box 32014, Boone, North Carolina 28608. A celebration of life service will be held on November 5th at 2:00 pm in the Grandview Ballroom of the North End Zone Facility of Kidd Brewer Stadium; 135 Jack Branch Drive. The family will receive friends following the service. Black and gold attire is welcome. Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Horine family.