Larry Glenn Bourland

Larry Glenn Bourland, 76, of York, Penn., died peacefully in his sleep May 14, 2022, after complications from lung cancer and a stroke. He was born Jan. 24, 1946, in Blytheville, where his beginnings working on a family farm in Lost Cane built a foundation of strong faith, hard work and curiosity. Larry was Manila High School valedictorian, graduated from University of Mississippi with degrees in math and chemistry, and was awarded a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Florida State University in 1973. He received an honorable discharge as a captain in the U.S. Army. He was a lifelong chemist and entrepreneur who founded York's specialty polymer science company, polyVISIONS, Inc., in 1986. Larry enjoyed 55 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart, Sheila Ashabranner. Together they raised two children, Gretchen and Matthew. His single greatest joy was time with his three grandchildren, Leona, Maximus and Zolani. In his retirement, he loved traveling, playing guitar, and tackling projects with his son-in-law, Darren. He was often seen helping neighbors and doing yard work with his Gravely tractor.  As a chemist up north with a thick southern accent, he was often asked where he was from, to which Larry would reply with great amusement, “South Philly." His sense of humor, his intellect, and his kindness will be missed by those who met him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Merritt and Estelle Stutts Bourland; brother Danny Bourland; and two nieces, Barbara Baker Bourland and Jennifer Gray Bourland.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila Ashabranner Bourland of York, Penn.; daughter, Gretchen Rudham of Baltimore, Md.; son, Matthew Bourland of Dartmouth, Ma.;

three grandchildren, Leona Bourland, Maximus Rudham and Zolani Rudham; two brothers, James Bourland of Jonesboro and Fred Bourland of Armorel; nieces and nephews, Pamela Bourland-Davis, Lane Bourland, Kelly Boothe, Candace Hicks, Stacie Berry, Samuel Bourland.

Graveside funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 4, at the Manila Cemetery. Burial will be under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Manila. The family wishes lasting memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn., or Little River Baptist Church, 1204 N CR 309, Manila, Ark. 72442. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.howardfuneralservice.com.