Jan 4, 2023
In this episode of The Life in the Carolinas Podcast, Carl is
joined by Larry Baity. He met Carl a few years ago through a mutual
friend, and they have been working on a project together recently.
Larry calls himself a mountain boy because of his upbringing.
Today, Larry.
Larry’s Birth
[1:00]
Larry says that he is a mountain boy. He was born on the 16th
of March 1935 in Wilkes County in a small community called Oak
Woods, a short drive away from Wilkesboro. He was told many years
later that he was anticipated to be born. The evening he was born
was a Saturday, and everyone was waiting for the Grand Ole Opry to
come on.
Early Life
[3:20]
He graduated from high school around the time of the Korean
War. He chose to join the Air Force and was in it from 1953 through
1957. He did his training in the Lackland Air Force Base in San
Antonio, Texas. Larry eventually talks about all his experiences
during his time with the Air Force.
God’s Purpose
[11:52]
Larry almost drowned three times in his whole life. He always
felt God had a purpose for him. He is surprised that he is still
living today due to his experiences. He says that his upbringing is
what made him the man he eventually became now.
Curiosity
[13:30]
Larry shares another experience during the time he was with
the Air Force. His curiosity almost led him to get incarcerated,
and he had to sign a document that states that he never saw what he
saw. He says that one of the greatest inventions of the US Air
Force is surveillance.
History
[19:02]
He’s always told his children and grandchildren that you often
experience history in the making, become a part of history, or
making history yourself. He states that he was a witness and that
very few people become part of history. He made history for the
family. Larry says that one of his many faults was being too
curious and pushing the limits.
The Answer
[20:18]
Larry was often told that curiosity is the answer to
questions. It might be hazardous to your well being and one of his
little faults in life, but it has also revealed a great revelation
to him through the years. And through all of that, God gave him
longevity.
Memory of a Certain Racetrack
[21:41]
Carl asks Larry about his first memory of the North Wilkesboro
Motor Speedway. Larry responds by recalling a memory from 1945. He
says that it was a unique experience because he’s always loved the
old Ford cars.
Larry’s Family
[36:17]
Larry talks about his children and grandchildren. His oldest
grandson is a major marine aviator. His son is a part of the Air
Force as well. His other grandson is a police officer. One of his
sons is a nuclear engineer and another one is a lawyer. The
youngest is back in Nashville.
Life in the Carolina’s Website - https://www.lifeinthecarolinas.com/