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A Team Player In His Own Words:
From Larry's Sophmore Year with the Wilkes Central Junior Varisty Baseball Team: "We had a strong team in more ways than one, because when we were down we stuck together. I was proud to be a member of this year's team."
From Larry's Junior Year with the Wilkes Central Varisty Baseball Team: "The team had a rough time..., but we really pulled through a few times. Most of the losses were so close, they were really hard for us to deal with. We gave it our all whether we won or lost. "
When asked at the 2004 reunion of the class of 1989 what was his best memory of high school: "Playing baseball"
Larry John Bauguess, Jr was born in Wilkes County in December of 1970. He grew up playing a game that so many of our children play; baseball. He started with T-ball and played the community league teams all through his youth. He played on the Junior Varisty and Varsity baseball teams at Wilkes Central High School 1987 through 1989. His coaches always remember him as a player willing to jump in and help with any task, to boost the team up when morale was low, and to set an example of exemplary sportsmanship.
However, when baseball didn't work out when he went to college at Appalachian State University, he thought maybe his athletic career was over. Walking across campus one day, he saw the ROTC students rappelling down the side of a building. That moment changed his life, and he decided that the US Army was a new team to which become dedicated. He was known to take a bat, a ball, and two gloves with him on deployments all over the world. Many soldiers have memories of playing catch with him across the globe.
On May 14th, 2007, Major Larry J. Baugess, Jr. was killed in Pakistan after helping conduct a meeting to abritrate a border dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He had been working with NATO and using international leadership skills on a global scale. He was a highly decorated soldier, a devoted family man, and an individual who would always give everyone he met encouragement and inspiration. He was the highest ranking officer from Wilkes County to die in service since the Civil War.
Larry is survived by his wife, Wesley, and two beautiful girls, Ryann and Ellie. He also leaves behind a younger brother, Terry; a younger sister, Laura; and his parents John and Martha. He also leaves behind countless soldiers, classmates, teamates and friends who have been made better people because of his involvement in their lives.
Awards And Commendations
Awards and Decorations Include: Military Schools Completed: |