Lawrence J. Machleit

Lawrence J. ‘Larry’ Machleit, 77, of Plum Branch, SC, died Monday, August 17, 2026, at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood, SC. He was born December 6, 1948, in Detroit, MI to the late Vernon and Eva Gross Machleit. Larry was twice married, first to the late Charlene M. Machleit and second to Linda Adle Machleit.

He was a graduate of the Design School in Detroit, MI, launching a remarkable career as a design engineer with General Motors retiring after 44 years of dedicated service. Following retirement, he and his wife relocated to Plum Branch, SC where he continued to share his skills and passion, working with CrawlSpaceRepair.com, LLC in Greenwood, SC.

Deeply rooted in his faith, Larry was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abbeville, SC. As a 3rd Order Franciscan, he answered the call to serve others and uphold the values of humility, compassion, and selflessness. Larry was also involved in the Men’s Club at Sacred Heart and a dedicated participant in the His Merciful Heart Prayer Group. His commitment to these organizations reflected a life rooted in service, compassion, and spiritual enrichment.

Larry found great joy in the companionship of his cherished pet, Emma – a source of great comfort and affection.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Linda; two children, Erric Machleit (Heather) of Howell, MI and Renae Soeder (Ron) of Milan, MI; three step-children, Talia Wiley, Brian Ashley and Trey Brown; two brothers, Vernon ‘Buz’ Machleit (Rosemarie) of Chapel Hill, TN and Michael Machleit (Denice) of Roscommon, MI; five grandchildren, Samantha Rye (Nicholas), Eva Marie Church Drobet (Ryan), Brook Machleit, Michael Machleit and Paige Machleit (Jason); one step-grandchild, Cora Sangster; six great-grandchildren, Delaney, Jayleen, Dennis, Jaylin, Jeorge and Nicholas; and his beloved fur baby, Emma.

The family will receive friends 4:00PM – 5:30PM, Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home, 302 N. Main Street, Abbeville, SC with a Rosary beginning at 4:00PM. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be 11:00AM, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 206 N. Main Street, Abbeville, SC with Rev. Father Jacob Joseph officiating. A private inurnment will be in the Columbarium at Long Cane Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Larry, may be sent to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Men’s Club, PO Box 812, Abbeville, SC 29620.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Machleit family.