Carol, Christy and Michael,
It was very sad to hear of Larry's passing.  Your family was always kind to my wife and I and I treasured those years of knowing you and working with Larry.  One of the most memorable visits to your home was when Larry wanted to show me what only 1 watt of stereo audio power sounded like....just one watt.  Either Seven Bridges Road by the Eagles or Knights in White Satin by the Moody Blues  (both a couple of Larry's favorites) was cued up and I could hear each and every milliwatt of that one watt of his sound system so crystal clear no matter the volume.  He was also fond of  and proud of his  Klipsch speakers.
For those of you 'more experienced' LRFD Firefighters,  Larry was one of the old ‘old school Fire Dispatchers’. In fact Larry Tarkington worked in the Old Central Fire Station in the dispatch office at Markham and Broadway next to City Hall. When new Central was built at 7th and Chester--Larry, Darrel “Sarge” Reynolds, Bobby Chandler and Jackie Williams, Jerry Bass and some others moved to work in the new Central dispatch room. I had the honor and privilege of being trained by Larry Tarkington when I first came on the LRFD in 1977. Larry was a great friend in addition to being my trainer.
When Larry was on the radio after giving the morning radio test or making the mandatory (back then) station I.D.’s, Larry would often say “WQM43-this IS the Little Rock Fire Department!" with plenty of verbal accent to the word "IS" and just enough of a dramatic pause before and after the word "IS".  I think he wanted to make sure everyone within radio range knew unmistakably that LRFD was on the air! 
 Larry will be missed.

Alan & Lori Cate


 

LARRY TARKINGTON WAS ONE OF THE NICEST PEOPLE TO COME THROUGH THE DOORS OF COMMUNICATIONS. LARRY HAD THE BEST STORIES OVER THE YEARS THAT HE WORKED AT LR COMMUNICATIONS. REST IN LOVE ALWAYS LARRY. TO HIS FAMILY YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
TELISA NEALE

Larry was one of my first supervisors when I went to work for Little Rock 911 back in 2003. He was always kind, helpful, and very humorous; a true gentleman and a friend to all. He will be sorely missed.

Larry trained me when I went to work part time at communications many years ago. He was so patient and light hearted I sometimes forgot that I was scared to death. He taught me so much but the one thing I’ve carried with me throughout the years, not just working at 911 but in my life as well, Larry said, “always error on the side of caution”. That advice has served me well so many times. A very smart and kind person, Larry will be missed immensely. 

Sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I had great respect for him while working at LRFD. Prayers of love and comfort to the family.

I will forever be grateful for all the times that I got to hang out at the Tarkington house during my most developmental years (in jr high and high school).  I think we all looked up to Larry and his music and DEFINITELY his Klipsch speakers.  He’s also who turned me on to Honda accords, and I don’t drive anything else know.  Much love to Christy, Mama Carol, Michael and all of the other family and friends of Larry. 

I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss Ms. Carol. Larry was the BEST in everything he was involved with. Larry and I played baseball together, went to NLR OLD MAIN, I talked to him quite often in the late 70’s as our dispatcher for ECC. I knew when he was on the console, we never had to worry because he had us covered, he listened and he knew by our voice if we were in trouble. I can never thank him enough. He is standing with the Good Lord now. RIP BROTHER, never to be forgotten.

OBITUARY

Larry Tarkington

February 8, 1951 – May 4, 2022

Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home & Rest Hills Memorial Park

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