Larry Douglas Stringer

As a skilled and highly sought crane operator, Larry Douglas Stringer spent 30+ years working for national and international companies including Brown & Root, Global Industrial, Pennzoil, and Technip in addition to occasional contracts on various production platforms.

In retirement, Larry became an avid vegetable gardener with a special green thumb for growing his signature mustard greens, okra, squash, and summer vegetables. He enjoyed cooking, preserving, and sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. Occasionally, upon passing his well-stocked tool and garden barn, one could hear the faint sounds of his beloved Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Eagles radiating out from the half-opened crack in the sliding metal door.

When not planted in his garden, Larry could be found perfecting his meticulous lawn, logging endless hours on his zero-turn mower or zipping up and down the pasture roads with his trusted side by side filled to the brim with pruned or fallen limbs. The results of his care and tending were a source of pride for him and all who had the pleasure of spending time on the property.

Before coming to Louisiana, Larry’s journey began in Jackson, Mississippi where he was born to parents Doyle Shelby Stringer and Mildred Pittman Stringer on September 29,1950. He grew up and graduated with the Class of 1968 at West Marion High School, and later met and married Marilyn Stringer Ball (1973-1993) of Foxworth, Mississippi.

Together they had two daughters: Julie and Lauren. Julie Stringer, who currently lives in California, gave Larry his first grandchildren: Evan and Elliana Lopez followed by his first great-grandchild Selena Rebecca Lopez born to Evan and Brianna Fernandez. His second daughter Lauren Stringer Dale and husband Scott share an active life in Columbia, Mississippi with their three children Josie, Ollie, and John Brantley.

While working on an oil production rig in 1995, Larry met and married his current wife of 30 years: Suzanne Watkins Stringer of Welsh, Louisiana. After joining Suzanne in her beloved hometown, Sue and Larry built their life around caring for their shared land and loved ones—hosting numerous family gatherings and celebrations. Here, Larry is survived by his five stepchildren: Rachel (Stuart) Robertson, Nancy Cline, Ruth (Chester) Fruge, Paul (Angie) Cline, Evelyn (Marlan) Fruge and many grand and great grandchildren.