Veteran Educator Left Rich Legacy for Youth

Veteran educator Larry Foil, 77, passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2014.  The father and grandfather spent more than 40 years as a teacher and administrator in West Feliciana Parish.  Foil lost his first wife, Fay, and he later married Ruby Foil of Central.  They have been married for 24 years.

Visitation was Monday, February 3 at Covenant Community Church in Greenwell Springs and on Tuesday, February 4 at First Baptist Church of St. Francisville.  Services were conducted by Rev. Jeff Stanfill. Burial was in Star Hill Cemetery, conducted by Rev. Joe Ratcliff.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby Wallette Foil; one son, Kevin Foil and his wife Melinda of Hayden, AL; stepson Dennis Wallette and his wife Donna of Hammond; stepson Tony Wallette and his wife Ginny of Austin; stepdaughter Deanna Wallette Martin of Pearland, TX; 10 grandchildren: Erin Kinard and her husband Davy, IT3 Matthew Foil, Joshua Foil, Ashley Wallette, Lindsey Wallette, Jeffrey Wallette, Jack Wallette, Will Wallette, Blake Martin and Brandon Martin; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Allie Foil, adoptive mother, Melissa Foil; and first wife Fay Reames Foil. Pallbearers were his grandsons and granddaughters and good friend Bobby Underwood. He was a veteran of the US Army. Share memories, and condolences at www.CharletFuneralHome.com.

Larry Foil: A Eulogy

by Rachel and Wendell Hall

Editor’s Note: Wendell Hall served for many years as principal of St. Francisville High School and later superintendent of West Feliciana schools.  His wife Rachel was a long-time teacher at St. Francisville and West Feliciana high schools.

Thoughts about Larry immediately bring smiles to our faces and a flood of very fond memories.  From the very beginning, his infectious personality could reach out and grab you.  He came to us straight from the classroom as a student, to the classroom here as a teacher.  As a young teacher bouncing down the hall collecting all he would need for class it was obvious we were fortunate to have him.  Little did we know just how fortunate as he would dedicate not a short time but a lifetime to the educational community of West Feliciana Parish.

Larry rented a room from Lucille Havard and settled in.  Several teachers lived there and we do believe a great time was had by all.  Soon he met and fell in love with Fay.  Together they had many wonderful years and happy times.  Fay gave him his beloved son, Kevin, and life progressed happily.

We returned to St. Francisville and built next door and our friendship thrived.  Over the next 20 years our lives were as intertwined as lives can be when you work together all day and live 40 feet apart at night.

Larry was one of the hardest working people in the parish.  He would take on any job or assignment and do it well.  There was nothing he wouldn’t do for this school system.  He was deeply loved and respected by all who worked with him.

In a turbulent time he was a calming presence throughout the system.  Larry was a good man – loyal and dependable.  His dedication as an administrator and friend were valued more than can ever be expressed.

Children grew.  The school system thrived.  I wish all the wonderful stories that flood our minds could be shared but many must remain our special private memories, and he would have appreciated this confidentiality.

Larry brought joy to our lives.  When Fay became ill it was a difficult time and we tried to support as best we could.  After Fay’s death times were not as easy or joyful but Larry’s beautiful spirit continued on.  Kevin and Melinda married and grandchildren filled the days.  His laughter and teasing returned.  One of our favorite memories centered around Amy’s wedding.  Larry missed his first high school football game in 30 years to drive her to the wedding – something he reminded her of –REPEATEDLY – all the way there.  He was full of foolishness and enjoyed a good laugh.  He found the humor in many things.

Thankfully, Larry was blessed with love again when he met Ruby.  As joyful as we were to see him happy in love again we missed his everyday presence as a neighbor.  But in typical fashion his wonderful presence was never far away.  A simple phone call or even just a suggestion we might need him and immediately he was there – the ever-loyal and faithful friend.  Larry and Ruby would stop by and visit.  We enjoyed hearing about their travels and his enjoyment of auctions.

Larry was always such a constant in our lives that his illness highlighted just how much we dearly cared about him.  We are thankful to have had such a good man share so many experiences with us.  We will dearly miss him but smile at the blessed memories we have.