A native of Raleigh, North Carolina Larry Junkin graduated from Broughton High School in 1969 and earned his bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University in 1973. Although he had never wrestled before, his interest in the sport was sparked in 1971 while serving as an administrative assistant to Coach John Welborn at East Carolina. That experience led to a lifelong connection to wrestling – as a coach, athletic director, and official – for more than fifty years.

Junkin began his teaching and coaching career in Wake County at East Garner Middle School, where he coached wrestling and football from 1975 to 1977. He then pursued a graduate degree at Appalachian State University, serving as a graduate wrestling assistant under Coach Paul Mance from 1978 to 1979. After earning his master’s degree, he returned to Raleigh to coach wrestling at Millbrook High School from 1979 to 1986, compiling a dual meet record of 81–21.

Junkin later served as head football coach at Jordan High School in Durham before becoming the first head football coach at Leesville Road High School in Raleigh. He briefly stepped away from Leesville in 2006 with plans to retire, but soon returned to education, serving as Athletic Director at West Cary Middle School for four additional years. In 1981, Junkin began officiating wrestling for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, serving the Triangle and Southeastern regions for 42 years. He officiated the NCHSAA state tournament 31 times and the NCHSAA dual team finals eight times. He also officiated the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association state tournament.  In March 2023, he received the Shining Stars in Stripes Award for his service to North Carolina high school wrestling.

Junkin bravely battled cancer for many years. Even while undergoing treatment – sometimes on the same day – he would return to officiate matches and tournaments. He continued officiating until his diagnosis with glioblastoma in February 2024. In June 2024, he was honored with the Tony Simeon Courage Award from the NCHSAA.