Lawrence "Larry" Neil, 85, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed peacefully on March 22, 2025, with his wife and children by his side.  Larry was born July 9, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to Alexander J. and Dorothy Pierson Neil.  He had one brother and two sisters.  As a first generation American, he was proud of his Scottish heritage.

Larry married Rose "Anne" Fouchey on April 29, 1961. They have three children, seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.  Larry was a builder and land developer.  They shared much of their life between Michigan and Florida.  He built many beautiful homes for them in both states.  He was best known for their beautiful large farm on Youker Road in Interlochen, Michigan, where he raised reindeer, Sicilian burros, and Anne had a large bird aviary.  He loved the continuous flow of children; 4 H, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, and preschool groups.  He would speak to them about the origin of reindeer and their habits.

He returned to Michigan in 2021, and settled permanently.  An avid outdoorsman, he hunted from his teen years through his final successful deer hunt last year with his son Scott.  He was an excellent golfer.  He also enjoyed many cross country trips on his Honda Goldwing motorcycle.  He loved children and was affectionately known as Uncle Grump by many of his nieces and nephews, because of a game that he played with them on family camp outs.

Larry was very patriotic and supported many patriotic causes.

Larry is survived by Anne, his wife of almost 64 years.  Also his daughter Susan (Gary) Watson, his son, Scott (Buzz) Neil, and his daughter, Cynthia Houdek.  His Grandchildren are Ashley (Brian) Schmuker, Shelby (Dennis) Fox, Alex (Deidra) Watson, Andrew (Mikayla) Watson, Vanessa (Steven) Berten, Jackson (Ruth) Weathers.  His great grandchildren are Tara Miller, Scott Fox, Isaac Fox, Owen Schmuker, Declan Schmuker, Brianna Steele, and Sam Steele.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and two grandsons, Grahm Houdek, and Matthew Watson.

We are honoring Larry's request that he have no services or gatherings with the exception of his immediate family.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com