Isham Jehu Larry McLaughlin III, 78, of Florence, SC passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Larry was the first-born son of the late Thelma Rowland and Isham Jehu Larry “Buddy” McLaughlin Jr.

A natural born leader, Larry attended Presbyterian College where he played football and was the President of the Beta Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, graduating in 1968. He continued his education by earning a master’s degree from Western Carolina University.

Larry then proceeded to marry his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Isgett McLaughlin, a marriage that has spanned 55 years. He was the father of four amazing children. Ashley, Laurie, Jay, and Claussen.

A tireless worker, Larry was an entrepreneur at heart. After a brief stint as a high school football coach and educator, his entrepreneurial spirit took over and led to a lifetime of founding and creating businesses and jobs in the Florence area. His work life extended through a wide range of industries. From driving a snow cone truck to being a real estate developer. He printed T-Shirts and he sold mobile homes. He bought and sold horses and had a blueberry farm. He owned Mini Warehouse complexes, and he turned Florence into the Car Flag capital of the United States. You never knew what Larry would do next, but you knew it would be exciting.

As much as he loved making a good business deal, his true passion was bragging on his wife, children and grandchildren. There is not a person on this planet that loved to talk about his grandchildren more. He bragged about his grandkids exploits on the baseball diamond and football fields, classroom, and their professional careers. He loved each of his nine grandkids dearly and invested his time and treasure in each of their adventures.

For 42 years, Larry could faithfully be found on the front row at the Florence Baptist Temple each Sunday morning and night. He loved Jesus and his generosity to everyone he encountered was a testament to that love.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Samuel Rowland McLaughlin.

Surviving are his wife and love of his life for 55 years, Carol Ann Isgett McLaughlin; his son, IJL “Jay” McLaughlin IV (Christyn); his daughters, Ashley Ann McLaughlin, Laurie Kendall McLaughlin, and Elizabeth Claussen (Kyle) Garris; and grandchildren, Caroline (David) Lammon, Charlie Mac Toman, Tucker Toman, Clint “Bonk” Parks, Jr., Ellie Parks, IJL “Jayce” McLaughlin V, Gabriel “Gabe” Taylor McLaughlin, Carly Warren, and Cameron Warren.

The McLaughlin Family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 AM Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Florence Baptist Temple with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM in the auditorium. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.