Larry Windsor

Larry L. Windsor, born in 1941 at Bush Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, passed away on November 30, 2025, in his hometown of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lamar Windsor and Georgia Lee Brooks; his brother, Darryl Windsor; his sisters, Deidre Glovan and Pam Smith Beauchamp; and his grandparents, Annie Lee Brooks, Ruben Weaver Brooks, Clarence Windsor, and Madge Windsor.

Larry is survived by his loving brother, Brent Roper (Connie), and by his two children, Wendi Porretti (Scott) and Jeremy Windsor (Stacy). He also leaves behind cousins with whom he shared a special bond: Kelli Burgess Montali, Sandra Windsor, Cindy McManus Dickman, and Glenda Windsor. He cherished his close companionship with lifelong friend Ruthie Hardy Carpenter and close friendship with Jerry and Sheila Barbaree. Larry’s grandchildren—Jordan Windsor of Scottsboro, Alabama, and Jack, Daniel, and Nicholas Porretti of New Providence, New Jersey—were his pride and joy.

Born prematurely with a heart murmur and given little chance of survival, Larry went on to live a full and vibrant life, propelled by his deep love of sports. He coached basketball for 25 years, earning Coach of the Year honors nine times. Over the course of his career, he guided many outstanding teams, winning more than 450 games and helping over 40 players earn basketball scholarships.

Larry also coached tennis for 12 years, a sport he deeply loved. He was a fixture on local courts and an active competitor on the USTA circuit, winning numerous tournaments across the South between 1992 and 2012. He took great joy in teaching young people the game of tennis and encouraging them to make it a lifelong passion. Along the way, he formed lasting “tennis friendships” with George Swift, Newton Sharp, Steve Scheer, and George Matheston.

Larry’s love of music, dancing, and bringing joy to others was a defining part of who he was. His warmth, humor, and generous spirit brightened the lives of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Larry’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Valley Rescue Mission in Columbus, Georgia.

A Memorial Service will be held at Colonial Funeral Home on Thursday, December 4 at 4:00 PM EST with a Visitation preceding from 2:00-4:00 PM EST. 

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