Larry Boyer We are deeply saddened to share the news that Larry Lee Boyer passed away on March 17, 2025, from septic shock. His passing was peaceful and he spent his final moments surrounded by his family in a hospital in Virginia.
Larry was born on July 10, 1943, in Hooker County, Nebraska. He graduated from Mullen High School in 1961. He was the son of a rancher and the first in his family to graduate from college.
He received a PhD in physics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and spent his career working at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., with extended sabbaticals at Princeton University, the University of Edinburgh and Harvard University. Larry was instrumental in advancing the field of superconductivity by developing quantum models capable of calculating the electronic properties of crystalline atomic structures.
Throughout his life, Larry had several interests outside of work. Among them were a love for golfing, football, track & field, playing guitar, and documenting his family genealogy. He was an avid Washington sports fan, holding baseball and football teams. But, none of those interests came close to his love for the Carolina Shag. He took up dancing in the early 2000s and by 2019, he was inducted into the National Living Legends of Dance Hall of Fame, a recognition for those who are not only stellar dancers but have taught, inspired and preserved the traditions of the Carolina Shag.
Larry is survived by his four children, Pete, Will, Ben and Jonathan and his seven grandchildren, Hailey, Jasmine, Avery, Mason, Drewe, Taylor and Michaela.
Larry will be deeply missed, but the love, memories, and dances he shared will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: https://ellentaylorfoundation. org/DONATIONS.html.
A celebration of life will be held May 22, 2025, at Jefferson Funeral Chapel in Alexandria, Virginia.