Larry Thomas Elzey was born on November 15, 1948, and passed away on May 19, 2024, with the love of his life, Glenda, by his side. Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Hogue Elzey, his father, Thomas Elzey, and his sister, Juanita Tivers. He is survived by his wife of 57 ½ years, Glenda Young Elzey; two children, Kelly Elzey and Katie Jerden (Sam); sister Cherri Wilmont; five grandchildren, John Elzey, Nick Elzey, Eleanor Elzey, Riley Jerden, and Skylar Jerden; one niece, Michelle Monteath (Scott); two nephews, Kris Boyatt (Emily), and Brian Elzey; as well as a host of friends and extended family.
A traditional life summary does not seem adequate to tell the story of a man who was so fiercely private; a man whose true heart and personality were known to only a few of his closest family members and friends over the years. To strangers and acquaintances, Larry was quiet, reserved, stubborn, and difficult to get to know. To his close family and select friends, Larry was sometimes quiet, sometimes reserved, often stubborn, but absolutely worth getting to know. When you entered his circle of loved ones, you knew he cared about you, and you got to know just how protective he was over the people he loved.
Larry and Glenda met when they were just kids in junior high and were married soon after high school on October 13, 1966. They had two children, Kelly and Katie, and their dad took an active role in the activities that they enjoyed. When Kelly started playing youth football and Katie started cheerleading, Larry became very involved in Shelby Youth Sports, eventually serving as the Commissioner of this organization that was so important to him.
Many of Larry’s closest friends over the years were the people he met through his cell phone stores, which he enjoyed owning for almost two decades. Some knew him from even earlier, when he was often referred to as “Mr. Larry at the beeper store.” His long-time customers and co-workers knew that he was someone they could trust and depend on.
Without a doubt, Larry’s most treasured role during his life was that of Grandaddy to his five grandchildren. From his first grandson born in 1992, to his youngest granddaughter born in 2012, he loved them all without fail. Larry’s joy with the oldest grandchildren came from letting them follow him around, working in the yard and in the garage. Several years later, his happiness came from watching his granddaughters having tea parties in his living room. Seeing his children and grandchildren find happiness was what mattered most to him.
For everyone that knew and loved him, his love has left an irreplaceable mark on their hearts and in their lives. He will be loved forever and missed more than he could have ever imagined.
A gathering of family and friends for Larry will be held Sunday, May 26, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133.
