Major Robert (Bob) G. Large, USAF (Retired), Age 98, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully October 16, 2021 at his home. He was born June 2, 1923 in McMinn County. Parents were Lewis Graden Large and Mary Snyder Large. Preceded in death by parents, wife of 69 years, Helen Ward Large, sisters Nellie Marie Large, Melba Catherine Wilson, Lillie Mae Large, and nephews Donald G. Ward and Harry Jesse Ward. Survivors include nieces, Diane (Ron) Wolfe and Patricia Ward-Coleman, great-niece Rhonda (Mike) Kosciewicz, and great-nephews Scott (Julie) Ward and Glenn (Donna) Ward and several cousins.
In January 1943, Bob entered the military through the Aviation Cadet Program. He earned his silver wings and commission as 2nd Lieutenant in August 1944. He served as a B-24 Bomber Pilot until the end of World War II. He remained in the U.S. Air Force for an additional 18 years. He retired after 21 years of service.
Bob met Helen Ward at Tennessee Wesleyan College in January 1946 and they were married June 22, 1947. He graduated from University of Tennessee in 1948 and became a CPA soon after and retired in 1988. He was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and served in several areas – one being MYF counselors for several years along with his wife, Helen.
Bob loved golf and played from age 15 to age 90. Bob and Helen were charter members of the Thursday Hikers group and enjoyed many hikes with friends. They also delivered Mobile Meals for 10 years.
A special thank you to the caregivers who cared for Robert and Helen over many years – Celia Snyder, Crystal Browning, and Teresa Hurley. Thank you to close friends and neighbors, Jerry and Charlotte Cochran, for all the many years of love and friendship to Bob and Helen and special care given to them in the later years of their lives. Thank you to Smoky Mountain Hospice for their support in recent months.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held outdoors at the Whispering Waters Pavilion at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN on October 27, 2021 at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley House or Mobile Meals.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Large family.
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