James Larry Moss

James Larry Moss, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, adventure, and love for his family and community. Born on September 3, 1934, in Chamblee, Georgia, Larry spent most of his early years in Tucker, Georgia, where he was known for being a basketball star. A graduate of Tucker High School in 1952, Larry was an active participant in FFA, 4-H, basketball, baseball, and track during his high school years.

As a young man, Larry worked as a soda jerk at Fountains Drugs, and at both Gwinnett and Scotts Drive In. Larry served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1951 to 1959, at the Chamblee Naval Air Station. Later, Larry built a successful career in accounting at Gulf Oil, eventually retiring after many years of service. He continued to serve his community by offering bookkeeping, income tax, and accounting services to local businesses, while being Mr Mom for his young Texas family. He was also known as the neighborhood’s go-to repairman, capable of fixing just about anything—whether it was lawnmowers, weed-eaters, washing machines, bicycles, or even computers. He was always there for his neighbors, family, and friends, ensuring that everyone was well-supplied and well-equipped.

Larry had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and his fishing stories—with photos full of huge fish on stringers to back them up—were legendary. A true sports enthusiast, Larry was passionate about youth sports, always researching the best techniques to improve talent and help young athletes excel. His dedication to his children was evident in his unwavering support at every game, a familiar figure in the stands no matter the sport, the weather, or where the team played. His children thrived under his encouragement, each developing into accomplished athletes. Larry also shared his love of skating with his children, a skill honed during his time as a skate floor guard. His Texas summer days were spent exploring the state parks, teaching his children the joy of hiking, camping, and connecting with nature.

Larry could often be found enjoying a classic western or sports movie, listening to country music, and country and western dancing. He was particularly fond of Louis L'Amour novels, which he read and re-read throughout his life.

In his later years, Larry discovered a new passion in citrus farming. He became famous for growing some of the finest grapefruits and satsumas in Richmond, TX which became a Thanksgiving tradition for his family. He also developed an obsession with genealogy, spending countless hours researching his family and friends genealogy. While the details of his ancestors fascinated him, it was the stories and pictures behind the names that truly captivated his heart.

James Larry Moss is preceded in death by:

● His parents, Oscar Nathaniel “Hack” Moss and Laura Emma (Ball) Moss

● His sisters, Dorothy Jean (Moss) Cowan, Helen Mae (Moss) Massey, Sarah Frances (Moss - Rogers) Colson

● His brother, Charles Nathaniel Moss

● His children, Laura "Laurie" June Moss and Raymond “Allan” Moss

● His grandchild, Stephen Michael Nicholson

● His great grandchild, Christopher T. Mosier

He is survived by:

● His wife, Julia Moss of 46 years

● His children, Sallie Cobb Hicks, Linda Juanita Moss (Susan Doster), Virginia "Ginger" Marie Moss (Tressa Cherry), James Larry "Butch" Moss Jr. (Wendy Moss), Janet Elizabeth Moss Edmondson (Joseph Edmondson), Lisa Joanne Moss, Sarah Jean Moss Clarke (Stephen Clarke)

● His grand-children, Oliver Mosier, Christopher O. Mosier, Amanda Kilgore Min (Josh Min), Dylan Moss, Wyatt Edmondson, Calleigh Clarke, Kate Edmondson

● His great-grandchildren, Rylea Mosier, Bren Mosier, Robert James (RJ) Mosier, Morgan James Parker, Evan Lewis Kilgore-Min, Myles Kyung Min, Vivian Kate Min

● His great-great grandchild, Avery Rose Tripplet

His legacy of hard work, family history, and love for sports and outdoors will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Services will be at Floral Hills Funeral Home on February 7th, 2025 at 1:00 PM.

Donations (In Lieu of Flowers), to Sole Loved as Larry always wanted kids to have the best shoes so that they could run fast and play hard. Sole Loved is a 501c3 LOCAL shoe charity that partners with 60 Title 1 schools throughout Houston, to ensure that each and every child that needs a pair of shoes, has one.

https://soleloved.org/