Larry Berglind Obituary

Dr. Larry Allen Berglind passed away peacefully at his Simpsonville home at 4:30 a.m. on May 14, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. Always an early riser, it seems fitting that he chose the quiet morning hours to take his final run: free at last, with a perfect mind and spirit. Larry was born on December 15, 1951, in Caribou, Maine, to Albert Adams Berglind and Betty Drake Berglind. He grew up on a potato farm before the family moved to West Hartford, Connecticut, where, at age seven, he met the love of his life, Wenda Mullen. Larry was blessed with hardworking parents who were determined to send all three sons to college (Larry's father was allowed an 8th grade education because he was needed to work the potato farms). Larry found his faith in Christ attending Farmington Avenue Baptist Church as a teenager, which was the compass that guided his life journey. Larry is survived by his two brothers, Michael Berglind (Peggy Beverage) and Steven Berglind (Annette Searles). Larry was a proud graduate of William H. Hall High School, where he played on the undefeated football team (the only time in the school's history), a memory he cherished throughout his life. Larry went on to graduate from Bob Jones University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and Clemson University, earning a Master's in Microbiology. Before pursuing medicine, he worked as a science teacher, bus driver, and youth pastor, roles that reflected his heart for service and people. At age 33, with faith and determination, he followed his dream of becoming a physician. God opened the door for him to attend the Medical University of South Carolina, and with a proud wife and four young children cheering him on, and many side jobs to make it work, he graduated in 1988. He went on to complete his residency with the Greenville Hospital System, eventually founding his beloved Holly Tree Family Practice, a place of healing, service, and compassion. He also practiced emergency medicine at Bon Secours, working weekends and late nights, thriving on the hustle and bustle of the ER. Larry loved the Greenville community, his home for 37 years. He was also grateful for the fine public education his children received. Larry was always on the move (running, biking, swimming, completing numerous athletic endeavors: including the Boston Marathon, the Kiawah Marathon, multiple triathlons, biking across several states, and his all-time favorite: summiting Mount Mitchell 22 times), yet he was just as active in the lives of those he loved. He showed up fully for sports games, academic events, and milestones in his children's lives. He never sat still for long, unless it was to enjoy a Dunkin' Donuts coffee, a burnt hamburger, ice cream in a measuring cup, or to be present with the people who mattered most. He had a deep love for the Lord and lived his faith daily with humility, compassion, and grace. His life was a reflection of Christlike love, most evident in his devotion to his cherished wife of 52 years, Wenda. Larry leaves behind Wenda and their seven children: Julie Berglind Sale (Joshua), William John Berglind (Jennifer Schepp), Mark Stephen Berglind (Erin Taylor), Luke Adam Berglind (Bridget O'Donoghue), Sarah Berglind Nail (Michael), Laura Ashlyn Berglind, and Amy Berglind Hunnicutt (William), each of whom carries his legacy of grit, faith, academic pursuits, and athletic adventures. He was also proud Grandpapa to 21 grandchildren. Though we lost parts of him over the years to Alzheimer's disease, the essence of our Larry, the joy, humor, and light, would still break through, reminding us of the extraordinary man we loved. Today, we find comfort in knowing he is whole again. A visitation will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. unitl 6:30 p.m. at Graceland East Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel. Larry has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, and has kept the faith. Now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award him on that day. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Larry with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".