July 19, 1948 – October 8, 2026
Lawrence E. “Larry” Journell, 78, of Fincastle, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Born July 19, 1948, in Roanoke, Larry was a graduate of Northside High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, where he flew night missions as a forward observer in the Grumman OV-1 Mohawk. After his service he earned a degree from Virginia Western Community College, then an undergraduate degree from Madison College, where he was president of his fraternity, Tau Sigma Chi. He went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Virginia.
Larry devoted his career to education. He taught history at Lord Botetourt High School and was also Athletic Director there before becoming Assistant Principal and then Principal at James River High School. After retiring, he took great pleasure in farming, his Blue Heelers, his yearly hunting trips to Wyoming or South Dakota, and regular lunches at the North Star.
An avid hunter and a gifted storyteller, Larry will be remembered for the stories he told and the company he kept. Larry was also devoted to family and, hunting season permitting, could always be found at family gatherings.
He was predeceased by his father, Lawrence F. “Pete” Journell, and his brother-in-law, Euro Zuleta.
Larry is survived by his wife, Genevieve; his mother, Helen; his brother, Allen (Brenda) Journell; his sisters, Vicky (Gary) Carrell and Tracy (Jeff) Wright; and his sisters-in-law, Josephine Visser Zuleta and Sonja (Joe) Del Buono. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, in the James River High School gymnasium in Buchanan. The family will receive visitors beginning at 1 p.m. before the service, and again at a reception immediately following. Arrangements are by Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the American Red Cross.
