News Summary
Fort Mill is mourning the loss of beloved Councilman Larry Huntley, who passed away at the age of 87 on February 16. His commitment to community service spanned 14 years, during which he made significant contributions to the town, focusing on local initiatives and growth management. His legacy as a dedicated public servant will be cherished in Fort Mill.
Fort Mill Says Goodbye to a Local Legend: Councilman Larry Huntley Passes at 87
Fort Mill, South Carolina is in mourning after the passing of beloved Councilman Larry Huntley, who left his mark on the community during his 14 years of service. He passed away on February 16 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and improvement that will not be forgotten.
A Journey to Fort Mill
Though Larry wasn’t born in Fort Mill, this small town became his home where he devoted himself to making it a better place. Elected to the Fort Mill Town Council in 2007, Huntley’s journey into politics began with a nail-biting special election that he won by just 18 votes. That close call didn’t deter him; in fact, it only fueled his commitment to serve the people of Fort Mill.
Community Advocate
Huntley was known for being a strong advocate for a variety of local initiatives throughout his tenure. He had a particular passion for improving the town’s roads and ensuring that Fort Mill controlled its growth through concerns like annexation. Throughout his years of service, Larry pushed for new developments while keeping a watchful eye on local traffic issues, especially cut-through traffic from neighboring North Carolina.
Significant Contributions
Among his notable contributions, Huntley played a significant role in transitioning the Fest-i-Fun festival to the town-run Springfest in 2008. This change was part of a larger vision to bring community activities under town control. That was just the beginning of his involvement as Fort Mill experienced a period of significant expansion, annexing over 5,000 acres of land in the same year.
His leadership was showcased in decisions about annexing parts of Indian Land and discussions about a proposed bridge across the Catawba River. Huntley firmly opposed that project, believing it was not in the best interest of the community. In 2015, he voted against implementing impact fees, fearing they would stifle new business growth—another testament to his dedication to economic development in the area.
Growth of Fort Mill
During Huntley’s time on the council, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a substantial population boom in Fort Mill, with numbers growing from roughly 9,975 residents in 2007 to approximately 33,626 in 2023. This dramatic growth presented unique challenges, and Larry was always there, focused on solutions.
Beyond Politics
Outside of his political career, Huntley enjoyed a professional background in engineering and operations, retiring in 2001. His service to the country included a stint as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and then as a Captain in the Army Reserve. Not one to shy away from community involvement, he actively participated in local organizations like Unity Presbyterian Church and the Fort Mill History Museum.
A Legacy of Humor and Warmth
Larry was known for more than just his political insights; he was also a man of humor. He often joked about his close election victory, referring to himself as “Landslide Larry.” After that initial election, he frequently ran unopposed or retained his seat easily, a testament to his popularity and the trust the community had in him.
Final Farewell
The Fort Mill community is invited to pay their final respects. A funeral service is set for noon on Friday at Wolfe Funeral Home in Fort Mill. As the town reflects on the life of Larry Huntley, it remembers a dedicated councilman, a genuine community servant, and a good-hearted individual who truly cared for the people he served.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Fort Mill Local News
- Wikipedia: Fort Mill, South Carolina
- Legacy: Coyet Tarlton Obituary
- Google Search: Fort Mill Councilman Larry Huntley
- Herald Online: Local Development News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government South Carolina
- Herald Online: Business News
- Google News: Larry Huntley Obituary
