Larry and I met one of my very first days working at Oldsmar Flea Market. We only knew each other for about two years, but it felt like a lifetime. After meeting, we both quickly recognized that we did not enter each other’s lives simply by coincidence, but merely by our loved ones watching down on us, who put Larry and I into each other‘s paths. I would not be where I am today without my dear friend Larry. 
He became my family here in Florida and I know that I became his best friend after the loss of his late wife, Kathy. I truly believe that people come into our lives for a reason, and when I met Larry, he reminded me so much of my grandpa. He always had stories that I loved to listen to, and his words of wisdom were always inspiring and supportive. He was a jokester, and always knew how to make me laugh. He spoke so highly of his family, daughters, and grandchildren, and took pride in how he was raised and how he raised them. I admired all of his stories and memories that he was so kind to share with me. 
I remember one day he said to me, “stick with me, kid and I will edumukate you about life in Clearwater and the beaches here.” and so I did.. And in such a short amount of time, you became part of my family, Larry and I am so grateful and blessed to have become part of yours. 
While we still have so many things to check off of our bucket list, I promise you that I will continue to complete them and know whole heartedly, that along the way, you will be with me in spirit, each step and every bit of the way. 

I love you, Larry. Always and forever. 
Kyla

I had only met Larry over the last two years both at the Oldsmar Flea Market and during garage sales at his house and a number of social events with his good friend Kyla. Because of his openness and sincerity, it felt like a deeper relationship than one might expect after such a short time.  He was always very kind, humorous, and sharing a love for his family and grandchildren.  His humor was legendary and always left me laughing and wanting to retell  his stories with others. His consistently positive, caring, and open personality made me feel at ease from our first meeting. His friendship with Kyla was, I believe, very special for him having had suffered recent losses of his wife and his beloved dog. They shared a bond that was important and beneficial for both of them.  During one garage sale, he took me on a tour of his home and his collections. He reminded me a lot of myself and my collecting of keepsakes and meaningful items from Flea Market’s, online sales, and from trading with other collectors. Never once did I meet him without him sharing about his grandchildren, his children, and his wife.  Family was very important to him, and that showed through in every encounter I had with him. Larry was also a very spiritual man, and I believe he had a close connection to his higher power. I hope that his family can get through this difficult time and hope that fond memories of Larry will bring a smile to their face as they recall them. My deepest sympathies to the family, children and grandchildren of this genuine, positive, and kind man.

Larry was someone who left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. I first met him as a knobby-kneed teenager when his sister, Lynn, adopted me. From the very beginning, Lynn assured me that Larry always thought of me as family, and over the past 58 years, I have been blessed to feel the truth of those words.
Larry’s humor was both a gift and a shield, often concealing the depth of his incredible heart. Beneath his playful wit lay a man of immense kindness, someone who truly cared for those around him. It was impossible not to notice how fiercely he loved his family—his sister Lynn, who meant the world to him, and his daughters, who held a special place in his heart. His devotion to them was unwavering, and it reflected the essence of who he was.
Having the privilege to walk beside Larry through part of life’s journey is a blessing I will cherish forever. He had a way of making people feel accepted, valued, and loved, and that is a rare gift indeed. I thank him for always welcoming me into his family so wholeheartedly, and for showing me what it means to be truly kind.
Larry will undoubtedly be missed—his humor, his warmth, his boundless love. But I take comfort in knowing that our separation is only temporary. For now, we’ll miss him for a moment, but one day, we’ll all see him again. Until then, his memory will live on in our hearts, shaping the way we love and care for one another. Rest in peace, Larry, and thank you for being the person you were—a shining light in the lives of so many.

Chris has been my best friend for as long as I remember, so I’ve known Pappy just about my whole life.  Growing up, Pappy was always keeping us in good spirits with his humor and jokes. I can’t remember a single day he didn’t have something to say about how proud he was of Chris. Whether it was baseball, karate, fishing, it didn’t matter, Pappy was gonna tell you every last detail of how involved Chris was. He was nothing but supportive and loving for his family. And it didn’t just stop there, he welcomed me and plenty of Chris and I’s friends into his home with open arms, day or night. That’s just who Pappy was. My heart goes out to anyone who knew him. Rest in Peace Pappy ❤️

I met Larry at Skycrest Baptist Church, in the 12-year-old boy's, Sunday School class.  Larry was always the funniest kid in the class. Once, our teacher was talking about forgiveness and Larry asked, "What do you do if some kid kicks you in the butt???" Well Larry what do you think you should do, Mister Chaffin asked?  Larry did not hesitate, he just replied, "turn the other cheek".  He also added motions to boot.
    Many people don't know what a great athlete Larry was.  I saw him make a hole in one at the old 9 hole course in Clearwater.  He was great at whatever he attempted.  Jane and I will miss our old buddy, confidant, and Christian brother.  See you later old pal.
Kenny and Jane Bearden

Audrey, So sorry for your loss. I remember being over your house with both your parents when I was living in Florida. Good times back in those days. You and your family are in thoughts and prayers.

So sorry for your loss. I met Larry 20 plus years ago buying paint. He was always so great to talk to. We always exchanged stories at the paint store and I haven’t seen him in quite awhile but I recall him talking about karate or taekwondo?  I put my sons in taekwondo and one is now a blackbelt . He was a great guy! I know he will be missed. 
Jesse Wilhelm

The first time I really got to sit down and talk to Pappy was when Chris had his surgery. Naturally, all he did was talk about Chris—how athletic he was—and I got to learn so much more about him. He even showed me pictures to go along with the stories, including the ones he kept in his wallet.

We sat and talked the entire time Chris was in surgery, which was about three hours. I’ve never heard someone sound as proud of another person as Pappy did when he spoke about Chris.

After Mimi passed, Pappy started coming into my job about once a week. He would always sit in my section, talk about her, and I would just let him cry, laugh, and share their beautiful love story. I had heard the story many times, but I never minded, because I knew how much he loved talking about the people he loved.

I will be forever thankful that he impacted Chris—one of my best friends—and helped shape him into the person he is today. It was such a great privilege to be loved by Pappy, and I’m so grateful that I was one of those people.

He will be deeply missed, but I know he’s with Mimi again, continuing their love story.

One of my favorite days with Larry... Caught my first saltwater fish. 😁🎣..... I'm super allergic to shrimp but Larry did not know. But that's the live bait that was chosen. So he had to bait me up over and over. Hehe. But he didn't care and him and Chris did it for me the whole time. He caught more than me or Chris that day. The excitement of guessing what he was pulling up was hilarious. 

I'll be forever grateful for the last 6 months to be able to spend almost everyday with him and Chris. All our morning conversations during breakfast and the jokes and stories that were told over and over. Made me smile every time no matter how many times it was told. 
And now I get to spend my life with Chris, the man he raised. And raised him to be the person he is today. And that is lead and taught by example. And Larry did that everyday. I get to be loved by Chris who was shown to love by the way he loved Kathy. I'm so blessed to have known him and so glad he is where he wants to be... With his beautiful wife Kathy.

Larry and Kathy were very special to our family!! Chris is like a second son to us. Kathy prayed for my kids their whole lives and Larry took the boys to the flea market and to lunch and bowling throughout the 20 plus years we were friends. He had a great sense of humor and loved his family with all his heart!! He will be sorely missed by so many. Glad he and Kathy are now reunited in heaven and are at peace.

OBITUARIO

Larry Williams

4 noviembre, 1950 – 15 junio, 2025

Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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