Larry was born on April 16, 1945, in Nashville, TN. He relocated to Mobile, AL, in 1962, where he met his wife of over 46 years, Carol McEvoy Bess. Larry attended the University of Southern Mississippi, and spent many years in the corporate world, as an operating manager of taxes, licensing and fuel permits for several large trucking firms across the southeast. He found his greatest professional joy in 1997, when he began working with the wonderful team at Bud’s Liquor and Wine Shop in Nashville. “It was the best job I ever had. I’ve loved every minute of it. We worked hard, but always had fun. They’re just good people, and have always been like family.” Heartfelt appreciation and love from our family to theirs. There will forever be a special place in our hearts for Larry’s friend and colleague, Jon Dixon. Jon made an indelible impression in Larry’s life; his “second son”.
Larry enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, treasuring every special occasion and all reasons to celebrate life. He was strong in his faith and enjoyed going to mass, an active member of Cathedral parish in Nashville for many years. “Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.” – George Carlin. Always quick witted, with a keen sense of humor, there was rarely a joke Larry had not heard, or told. You could only be in his presence for a few moments before he was able to elicit a smile or genuine laughter. Enjoying “playing the links”, Larry was an avid golfer and member of the PGA. A science fiction fan, you could always find him on a day off enjoying an episode of Star Trek. Much like a treasure hunter, Larry was always on the lookout for rare, collectible coins and other currency. A staunch conservative, he was known to flip the channel back and forth to catch current, trending topics on the Fox News network. He would eagerly debate the latest political controversy, engaging you with his perspective while respectfully listening to yours. Larry had a great sense of pride in our country and deep respect for our armed forces.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, A.W. Bess, and his mother, Agnes Freeman Bess. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol McEvoy Bess; his children, Anthony William (Tina) Bess, Angela (Mark) Bergstrom, and Michelle (Adrian) Breedlove; his grandchildren, Nisa Lee Bess, Shon William Bess, Madeline Grace Bergstrom, Ryan Christopher Stasiowski, William Mason Breedlove and George Colin Breedlove; aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be on Thursday, June 5th, at 1:30pm at Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, followed by a funeral mass. Flowers may be sent to Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home, 201 25th Avenue N., Nashville, TN, or you are welcome to make a donation to Alive Hospice at St. Thomas Hospital, or your favorite charity. Arrangements under the direction of Marshall Donnelly Combs Funeral Home, Nashville, Tennessee.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss
Arrangements under the direction of Marshall Donnelly Combs Funeral Home, Nashville, Tennessee.
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