Larry Douglas Stockton

CARTHAGE, NC - Larry Douglas Stockton passed away on October 28, 2023 under the light of a full Hunter's Moon. He was 69 years old. He was a beloved family member and a true friend that will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Larry was born on January 15, 1954 in Billings, Mont., the second of five children born to David A. Stockton and Joyce E. Sanford. Larry always had an abundance of energy and enjoyed learning how to fish and hunt with his father and older brother, Rick. It was during his childhood that he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors and Montana.

After graduating from Billings West High School in 1973, Larry followed in his father's footsteps by taking a job at Mountain Bell Telephone Company. He started as a Cable Splicer and was later promoted to Outside Plant (OSP) Engineer. While working at the phone company he met the love of his life, Ardis. She quickly fell in love with the tall young man with a teasing sense of humor, brown eyes, and long curly brown hair that she was fond of brushing into a braid.

Larry and Ardis married in 1977 and celebrated with friends and family at a reception in the backyard of a little house he purchased. While he hadn't originally envisioned fatherhood for himself, Larry took on the role of stepfather to Ardis's daughter, Ariana, and soon welcomed his youngest daughter, Crystal. He enjoyed taking Ardis and the girls camping, boating, fishing and planned many memorable family vacations. Plants flourished in Larry's care and he filled his home with greenery and planted summer vegetable gardens with Ardis.

He enjoyed competing in Sporting Clays with his cousin, Leo. A natural at mechanics and construction, he could often be found in his garage working on one of the vintage motorcycles he rebuilt or designing the deck he built on his second home. He loved new adventures and spent time scuba diving in the ocean and exploring the jungles and ancient pyramids of Costa Rica and Belize. After retirement, Larry and Ardis left Montana and moved closer to their youngest daughter and grandchildren.

During his last months, Larry basked in the attention of loved ones that came to visit or called on the phone. The night before his passing, Larry celebrated Ardis's birthday with the last bit of energy he had to give. They shared a favorite meal of oysters, a bloody mary, and key lime pie for dessert. He loved Ardis very much so it's not surprising he rallied one last time just for her.

Larry is preceded in death by his youngest brother Brian Stockton.

He is survived by his wife Ardis Stockton of Pinehurst, N.C.; daughters Crystal Butler (John) of Whispering Pines, N.C. and Ariana Nash (Len Haynes) of San Rafael, CA.; brother Richard Stockton of Roscoe, Mont.; sisters Kathy Harder (Jim) of Colorado Springs, CO. and Nancy Salas of Clearwater, FL.; grandchildren Madeline, Kendal, Caleb, and Abigail; great grandchild Kaydin; beloved dog Chloe; cousins and nieces.

A celebration of Larry's life is being planned in Montana at a future date in 2024.

Published by Billings Gazette on Nov. 12, 2023.