Larry V Beatty

Captain Larry V. Beatty, U.S. Navy (Ret.), age 77, passed away on September 22, 2026. Born November 14, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, Larry lived a remarkable life defined by service, family, friendship, laughter, and an enduring love for his wife, Kathy.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Larry was a lifelong sports fan. Baseball held a special place in his heart, and he remained a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan throughout his life. He was also an enthusiastic Florida Gators fan and would later embrace Celtic FC through the Scottish family and traditions that became such an important part of his life. Larry attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating with honors in 1970. Commissioned as an Ensign, he went on to become a nuclear-trained submarine officer and began a distinguished career that would take him around the world. During his Navy career, Larry served aboard the USS Greenling and USS Bergall, as well as serving as an instructor at Officer Submarine School and Training Officer for the Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force. He later served as Executive Officer aboard the USS Kamehameha, Gold Crew. One of the great honors of Larry’s career came when he assumed command of the USS George Washington Carver (SSBN-656), Blue Crew, operating from Holy Loch, Scotland. Under his command, the submarine completed five strategic deterrent patrols, and his crew earned the Battle Efficiency “E” during his final year as commanding officer.

The awards and accomplishments, however, tell only part of the story of Captain Beatty’s leadership. Larry earned something that cannot be represented by a medal—the genuine affection and deep respect of the sailors who served with him. His crew members loved and respected their Captain, a testament not only to the officer he was, but to the man behind the rank. Larry later served as Deputy Squadron Commander in Scotland aboard the submarine tender USS Simon Lake. His final Navy assignment brought him to Alabama, where he served as a faculty member at the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base. During his distinguished military career, Larry received three Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, and a Navy Achievement Medal.

But there was much more to Larry than Captain Beatty. He loved sports, good food, music, laughter, traveling, and being surrounded by the people he loved.

Scotland held a particularly special place in Larry’s life. His Navy career brought him there, but family gave him a reason to embrace it as part of his own story. He joined in the family’s love of Celtic FC, and one favorite memory was taking Larry on the supporters’ bus to a Celtic match, where he experienced the singing, laughter and unmistakable atmosphere that came with the journey.

Another favorite family memory finds Larry outside in the garden in Dunoon, Scotland, tending a barbecue in the pouring rain while a house full of hungry Scots wondered why the American couldn’t simply cook the food on the stove “like normal folk.” Larry persisted, and once the smoked meat finally made its way inside, everyone agreed it had been well worth the wait. Larry also loved music. Karaoke and sing-alongs brought him tremendous joy, and he was never afraid to take the microphone. He and Kathy loved traveling together, particularly cruising. On one memorable cruise, Larry entered the ship’s entertainment competition and won the all-around contest, taking the stage for the final performance to sing “My Way”—a fitting song for a man who lived a remarkable life very much his own way.

Yet of all Larry’s adventures, accomplishments, travels and songs, the greatest part of his life was Kathy. Larry and Kathy were married on December 12, 1991, and shared nearly 35 years of marriage. The love between them was rare, deep and unmistakable to those fortunate enough to witness it. They traveled together, danced together, laughed together and genuinely enjoyed simply being in one another’s company. No matter where they were or how many people surrounded them, Larry was always looking for his Kathy. She was his person. Their love did not need explanation because it could be seen—in the way they looked at one another, the way they sought each other out in a room, and the way they continued to dance together through the years. Their marriage gave their family something precious to witness: an example of a lasting, devoted and truly loving partnership.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Janet Beatty. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 35 years, Kathy; his children, Ben, Ken, Sharon and her husband Jeff, Paul and his wife Sharon, Patrick and his wife Michelle, Donny and his wife Avril and Michelle; as well as 14 beloved grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Larry lived an extraordinary life. He served his country with distinction, commanded a nuclear submarine, earned the respect and affection of the sailors entrusted to his leadership, traveled the world, sang his songs, cheered for his teams, loved and laughed with a large family, and left behind stories that will be told for generations.

But perhaps Larry’s greatest legacy cannot be measured by rank, medals or military honors. It lives in the people who loved him, the family he helped build, the memories that will continue to bring laughter through the tears, and the extraordinary love he shared with Kathy.

Through all the years, Larry and Kathy never stopped dancing

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 3:00PM followed by a Remembrance of Life at 4:00PM at Ridout's Prattville Chapel, 347 E. Main St, Prattville, AL 36067.