Larry William Hess

Larry William Hess, age 83, of Baldwin, Georgia peacefully passed away at his residence in North Banks County on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Mr. Hess was born October 10, 1942 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to the late Carl W. Hess and the late Irma Schmeider Hess. Larry was raised in the community of the Amana Colonies in Iowa, surrounded by close family members. As an older child, his family relocated several times, eventually settling in Georgia, where Larry graduated from Athens High School in Athens, Georgia. Following high school, Larry pursued higher education at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he began working toward a degree in Architecture. During his time in college, he served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War era. After his discharge from the military, Larry returned to his studies and completed his architectural degree. He went on to enjoy a long and fulfilling career as an architect, working for many years throughout the Atlanta area. In the latter part of the 1990s, Larry made his home in Banks County, Georgia, where he remained for the rest of his life. His true passion was his property there, and he was deeply devoted to the conservation, preservation, and careful stewardship of the land. Larry cared greatly about maintaining the rural character and natural beauty of Banks County, values that reflected his respect for history, community, and the environment.

Survivors include his wife, Kay T. Hess, of the home; daughter, Angela (Mike) Plontke, of Royston; son, M. Ben (Tina) Kelly, of Canton; five grandchildren, Chris (Ashlee) Miller, of Katy, TX; PJ (Nicole) Miller, of Locust Grove; Hunter (Lacey) Plontke, of Hartwell; Jacob Plontke, of Locust Grove; Luke Plontke, of Royston; and three great-grandchildren.

A Private Family Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or planted trees, memorial donations may be made to Oconee River Land Trust (oconeeriverlandtrust.org) or to the Amana Heritage Society (amanaheritage@southslope.net).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.