LINCOLNTON, N.C. — The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of its longtime Public Information Officer, Larry Edwin Seagle, who passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the age of 85.

In a statement, the Sheriff's Office expressed its heartfelt condolences, saying:

"It is with great sadness that the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office informs you that our beloved Public Information Officer, Larry Seagle, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Larry was loved by all at the Sheriff's Office and the media community. He will be greatly missed. We ask that you keep his family and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers."

For decades, Seagle was one of Lincoln County's most familiar and trusted voices. Whether delivering local news over the airwaves, announcing Friday night football games, sharing information with the media as the Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, or serving the community in emergency communications, he dedicated his life to keeping the public informed and connected.

Born on February 3, 1941, in Lincoln County, Seagle was the son of the late Dwight "Bud" Seagle and Hazel McGinnis Seagle. A 1959 graduate of Lincolnton High School, he excelled as a triple-letter athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He also pitched for the Linc-Cherryville American Legion Baseball Team during the late 1950s, earning recognition as the team's only left-handed pitcher.

Following high school, Seagle enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1959. During nearly eight years of military service, he served two years in Seoul, Korea, with the 6146th Air Force Advisory Group and later at Laon Air Base in France with the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, participating in joint training exercises with the French Air Force. He completed his military service in 1967 at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.

After working as an insurance auditor, Seagle found his true calling in broadcasting when he joined WLON Radio in the early 1970s. For more than 35 years, he became the unmistakable voice of Lincolnton, delivering local news and sports while building lasting relationships throughout the community. His passion for athletics led him to announce countless local football games, Lincoln County Parks and Recreation baseball games, and races at Hickory Motor Speedway during the legendary Ned Jarrett era. He also traveled throughout North and South Carolina as a member of the Carolinas Golf Reporters Association, promoting golf courses across the region.

Seagle's commitment to public service extended beyond broadcasting. He served as a Lincoln County 911 communications operator for 12 years before joining the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office as its Public Information Officer, where he continued serving the community on a part-time basis until his passing.

Known for his professionalism, warm personality, and unwavering dedication to Lincoln County, Seagle earned the respect and admiration of law enforcement officers, journalists, community leaders, and generations of local residents.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Crump Seagle; sons Steven Jones of the home, Mitchell Jones (Courtney) of Indian Trail, and Jeff Seagle of Cherryville; grandsons Cooper, Drake, and Graham Jones; brothers Tim Seagle of Lincolnton and Vic Seagle of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and sister Nancy Cable of Lincolnton.

A memorial service celebrating Larry Seagle's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, in the chapel at Warlick Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln County Coalition Against Child Abuse and Child Advocacy Center, the Autism Society of North Carolina, or the American Cancer Society.

Larry Seagle's legacy is one of service, integrity, and community spirit. Through his military service, broadcasting career, and dedication to public information, he leaves behind an enduring impact on Lincoln County that will not soon be forgotten.