Major Larry J. Proudfit, US Army, Retired

Major Larry Joe Proudfit, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at his residence in Martinez, GA. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Eva-Maria Proudfit.

He is also survived by his son, Chris Proudfit (Anne); daughter, Emily Main (Bryan); grandchildren, Audrey and Brandon Main; brother, Darryl Allgood (Kim) and sisters, Belinda Krech (Frank) and Nancy R. Proudfit and numerous friends and family in the USA and Germany. He is preceded in death by his father, James Proudfit; mother, Gladys Gatlin; first wife, Nancy F. Proudfit; brothers, Donnie Allgood and Johnny Allgood; stepmother, Ethel Proudfit; parents-in-law, Heinz and Annemarie Jacobi; sweet dog, Susi and precious cat, Maverick (“The Mav”).

Born in 1946 in Tifton, Georgia, Larry spent his childhood in Columbus and Forest Park, Georgia, where he was lovingly raised by his parents, Jim and Gladys. He graduated from Forest Park High School in 1964 before attending Georgia State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Risk Management and Insurance through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.

In 1967, Larry married his first wife, Nancy, whom he met at church. The following year, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army Signal Corps, beginning a remarkable career of military and civilian service that would span more than 46 years. Following a tour of duty in Korea in 1970, Larry and Nancy welcomed their son, Christopher.

Determined to continue serving his country in new ways, Larry earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1974 and returned to active duty as a Judge Advocate. His military career took him and his family across the world. While stationed at the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1978, he and Nancy welcomed their daughter, Emily. In 1983, while stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, Larry met the love of his life, Eva.

Larry and Eva were married in 1988 while he was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield.

The following year, they made Augusta their home when Larry was assigned to Fort Gordon, where he served as Judge Advocate for Eisenhower Army Medical Center for three years before retiring from active military service.

Never one to stop serving, Larry began a second career in 1992 as Fort Gordon’s Environmental Law Specialist, a position he faithfully held until his retirement from federal civil service in 2018. Throughout his distinguished military and civilian careers, Larry earned the respect and friendship of countless colleagues through his integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to duty.

Larry treasured his family above all else. He delighted in becoming “Grandaddy” to Audrey in 2003 and Brandon in 2008, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Retirement gave him the opportunity to indulge his lifelong love of reading, often with a highlighter or pen in hand, marking passages that caught his interest. He also faithfully helped Eva care for her mother, Annemarie, and found great peace in growing closer to God, his Lord and Savior.

Larry had a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys. He adored Eva and never missed an opportunity to praise her wonderful cooking. He loved his children, Chris and Emily, and his grandchildren, Audrey and Brandon, with all his heart. He was devoted to his beloved pets, Susi and The Mav, whose companionship brought him great happiness. An avid reader throughout his life, Larry enjoyed history—especially military history—nature and conservation, office supply stores, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. His favorite authors and music reflected his warm sense of humor and patriotism, including the writings of Lewis Grizzard, the songs of Ray Stevens and Jimmy Buffett, Elvis Presley’s gospel recordings, and the stirring marches of John Philip Sousa.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park.

Prior to the service, the family will receive loved ones and friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, GA.

Flowers are accepted or a memorial contribution to Fort Gordon Fisher House, an organization with which Larry and Eva volunteered for many years.

Please visit the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.