Larry O'Neil McGathy

Larry O’Neil McGathy, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with his family by his side. A private burial service will be held for immediate family. A celebration of life service will follow on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 4:00-6:00pm at Gray Brown Service Mortuary, 1329 Wilmer Ave, Anniston, AL 36201.

Larry was born on June 19, 1946, and spent the majority of his life as a proud native of Piedmont, Alabama. Larry spent much of his life in the Roy Webb community, where he and his wife, Sue, raised their family and built a home filled with faith, love, and lasting memories. Later in life, they made their home in Alexandria, where they spent their remaining years together.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sue McGathy; his parents, Leo and Lola Ledbetter McGathy; his sisters, Judi Page, Joyce Walker, Beatrice Brown, and Edith Garmany; and his brothers, Kirby McGathy and infant Wayne McGathy; son-in-law, Andrew Picton.

He is survived by his two daughters, Kim McGathy Picton and Julie McGathy Couch (Wes), and was proud of the families they built; his grandchildren, Carter Picton, Cohen Picton, Isabella Picton, and Susannah Couch; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Larry was a welder by trade and was known for his impeccable work ethic. He began his career at Rome Plow in Cedartown, Georgia, then worked at Goodyear in Gadsden before finishing his career at Anniston Army Depot, where he served as a supervisor for the Department of Public Works and Facilities in fabrication, repair, and welding. He was also a proud member and veteran of the National Guard. After retiring from Anniston Army Depot, Larry continued serving his community by driving a school bus for Calhoun County Schools and for the Jacksonville State University athletic program.

While Larry was a dedicated and committed worker, his true calling was his ministry. He faithfully served the Lord as a pastor, associate pastor, teacher, and servant leader at several churches, including Nances Creek Baptist Church, Victory Baptist Church, Gladeview Baptist Church, and Hillcrest Baptist Church. He had a deep heart for outreach and led the outreach team at Hillcrest, sharing the gospel with the lost, encouraging others to grow in their church involvement, and ministering to nursing home residents and those who were homebound. Larry loved teaching and preaching the Word of God and lived his life answering the call God placed on his heart. He believed deeply in “crowding the kingdom” and winning souls to Christ, and he was a true example of being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Larry was married to the love of his life, Sue McGathy, on January 11, 1969. Their marriage was rooted in faith, trust, and loyalty, and stood as a beautiful testament to God’s design for marriage. Together they built a life filled with laughter, strength, deep companionship, and unwavering devotion to God and family. Sue passed away in February of 2025, and Larry missed her deeply. His family finds peace knowing they are now reunited in heaven.

Larry’s greatest earthly joy was his family. He shared an especially close bond with his daughters, Kim and Julie, whom he loved dearly. He taught them to love Jesus, to be good friends, to work hard, and even how to change a tire. He led by example with patience, gentleness, understanding, and quiet strength, instilling a strong work ethic and a sense of humor that remains part of his legacy.

His grandchildren were the light of his life. Carter, Cohen, Isabella, and Susannah brought him his biggest smiles and deepest pride. He cherished every moment with them and delighted in their accomplishments. While those memories are treasured, his family takes comfort in knowing that the best memories are yet to be made when they are reunited in heaven.

Aside from his love for the Lord and his family, Larry found joy in the simple things: cheering on the Green Bay Packers, his Labrador Retriever (Quanda), a crisp fall morning, enjoying coconut cake, taking pride in a well-kept and beautiful yard, a hot cup of coffee, traveling with his family, and encouraging everyone he met.

Larry O’Neil McGathy lived a life of faith, service, and love, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to impact generations.

We will rejoice in the promise fulfilled: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21.