Larry R. Laird, Sr., 78, of Tylerton, Smith Island, died Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Born in Crisfield on November 17, 1946, he was raised on Tylerton and was a son of the late Ronald and Mina Rae Marshall Laird.

In his earlier years, Capt. Larry was a waterman and former school boat captain, but for the past 35+ years was most well-known as the boat captain of the Capt. Jason II freight and passenger ferry which ran daily from Tylerton, Smith Island to Crisfield.  He was also a talented diver, carpenter, electrician and woodworker, making many skiff paddles and crab net handles, and worked on several model boats.

He was a member of Tylerton Church and was a former member of the Tylerton Fire Department. In 2022, Capt. Larry was inducted as an associate of the Waterman's Hall of Fame and he was also a recipient of the prestigious Maryland Star of Life Award given for an outstanding rescue under extreme weather circumstances.

Capt. Larry had a great love for kids, and they truly were his favorite passengers.  He enjoyed their curiosity about his job and often would let them steer.  He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Capt. Larry with his laugh and playful sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marge Laird of Tylerton; a son, Larry R. Laird, Jr. and wife Patti of Crisfield; a daughter, Paula R. Harrison and husband Buck of Crisfield; two brothers, Tony B. Laird of Crisfield and Terry Laird, Sr. of Ewell; grandchildren, Harold Frock and wife Jennifer of Westover, Tim Frock and wife Amanda of Crisfield, Taylor Laird of Salisbury, Kara Harrison and fiancé Dustin Townsend of Marion, Wyatt Harrison of Crisfield, Caitlin Shook and husband Keith of Ohio, and Kristen Chesser of Salisbury; great-grandchildren, Cassie Bramble, Lewis Frock, Ryan Frock, Reed Frock, Ramsey Frock, Arianna Avila, Levi Shook, Sutton Shook, and one great-granddaughter on the way; niece and nephews, Ruth Ann Smith and husband Lee of Tylerton, Terry Laird, Jr. and wife Danielle of Ewell, and Randy Swift and wife Nicole of Showell; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Harrison of Marion and June Evans of Port Deposit; and several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters-in-law, Debbie Laird and Donna Jean Laird.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 1 PM at Christ Fellowship Bible Church in Marion where a visitation will be from 12-1.  Rev. Stephen S. Willing will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lower Somerset Ambulance and Rescue Squad, LSCARS, P.O. Box 406, Crisfield, MD 21817; Tylerton Fire Dept.; or Tylerton Church, both Tylerton, MD 21866.