11/03/2022
Early this morning I got devastating news. Larry Strait, an employee of Country Pride Lawn Care, died last evening.
A few years ago Larry and I discussed possible employment, and my instinct told me he was a good person. As the next several years would prove, my initial instinct was wrong. Instead, I discovered Larry to be a great person.
In the years I worked alongside Larry, I cannot remember him swearing or talking politics even one time. Not that I am passing judgment to those that do, but that is who Larry was. He was quiet and kept to himself for the most part, but at the same time he would befriend and talk with most anyone if the opportunity arose. As further testament to his character, a few months ago he was offered quarters when doing laundry at the Martinsburg Laundromat. Instead of taking the offering, he placed his leftover quarters along with the blessing and passed it along to another person whom he felt needed it more than he did.
I always stress to potential customers that I trust the workers of Country Pride Lawn Care so much that they have the keys to everything I own. When I say that, I mean that literally. I feel we are all extended family, and today I grieve Larry's loss. While we will continue to miss him here, I am glad that his suffering is now over.
Ironic that the one photo I could find of Larry (we are not the most photogenic bunch) has both his Steelers leg tattoo and his jug of Ritchey's Tea. That was Larry!
