Larry Esau Ames

Larry Esau Ames Sr., 73, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025. A proud and principled man, Larry left this world with no debts and no regrets—only the legacy of a life marked by service, laughter, and relentless curiosity. Born in 1951 to Milton Ames Sr. and Elizabeth (Thomas) Ames, Larry was the second eldest of four siblings: his older brother Milton “Jackie” Ames Jr., and his younger sisters Diane E. Ames, Brenda E. Holden, and Gloria “Niecy” Bailey. He graduated from Northampton High School. His life love for mechanical and structural engineering were birthed from his father and Uncle Robert Ames. In 1973, Larry married his wife Geraldine Patricia (McIntosh) Ames of McIntosh County, Georgia. Their union brought forth two sons, Larry Esau Ames Jr. and Gerald Patrick Ames, both of whom carry forward his wit, wisdom, and work ethic. Larry Jr. gave him five grandchildren—Jazmine, Talia, Alyiah, Naayah, and Jabriel. Through Talia, Larry became a great-grandfather to Carter. Gerald gifted him with one cherished grandson, King. Larry loved them all deeply. He wanted nothing but the best for them. Larry dedicated 23 years of honorable service to the United States Coast Guard, entering as an enlisted man and rising to retire as a Lieutenant—an achievement few earn and even fewer do with such distinction. His shipmates and friends Timothy Allen, Peter Woolridge, Wendall Bush, Rufus Beard and Cleveland Thompson became his chosen brothers, with bonds forged across oceans. His childhood friend Alvin Morris remained an unshakable presence throughout his life. An engineer to his core, Larry could fix anything and build everything—from ships to shelves—often with his signature dry humor and no-nonsense spirit. He found joy in good music, NASCAR Sundays, and any project he could get his hands on. He read voraciously, even conquering the Encyclopedia up to the letter M, and kept a library of historical audiobooks within reach. Larry had no use for ceremony. As he often said, “Don’t waste time crying over a box.” He wished to be cremated and—true to his unmatched humor—left at a McDonald’s. Instead, his family and the crew of his last ship, the USCGC Northland, will honor him by returning his ashes to the sea he loved. Larry was a man who lived by example. He believed in sincere actions, dignified labor, and leaving no debts behind—financial or moral. Larry Ames Sr. will be remembered as a man who lived with purpose, laughed often, gave to many and helped when he could. He lived honestly, worked hard, and left behind a legacy as sturdy as the ships he served on. Fair winds and following seas, Lieutenant.

Larry Esau Ames

August 19, 1952 - June 16, 2025