Larry is survived by Jenny, his loving wife of 46 years and four children, Tim (Joan) Gardner, Doug Gardner, Julie (Brad) McNabb and Jenni (Kevin) Tharp. Larry delighted in his grandchildren (who called him “Pa”), Jonathan (Claire) McNabb, Elizabeth (David) Kerian, Will McNabb, Brandon (Ashley) Beaver and Larah (Joe) Shafer, as well as his great-grandchildren Cooper, Chloe, Beric, Isla, Hannah and Emmalyn.
Larry was born in New Albany, Indiana where he was raised by his maternal grandparents (Chester and Mary). His three uncles, Bill, Chet and Norb became almost surrogate fathers during Larry’s earliest years. All three joined the military during World War II when Larry was still just a little tyke. To Larry’s eternal grief, Bill and Chet never returned which left a hole in his soul that never healed.
Larry met and befriended the “neighbor kids” Bill Rough and Bob Welch. Their friendship lasted their entire lives. Together, they spent uncounted hours traipsing around the woods, hunting (a little) and fishing (a lot). As any group of three boys in that era might do, they certainly found a bit of mischief from time to time. Never anything that would even raise an eyebrow today, but also things Larry didn’t even admit to his adult children until very late in life.
Larry played amateur baseball and softball in his youth and remained a lifelong baseball fan. He also was a fan of both college and professional football as well as basketball. He closely followed the Miami Marlins and Miami Dolphins.
As a young adult, Larry discovered golf and that became a lifelong passion, playing well past his eightieth birthday. Larry and Jenny traveled many times to Indianapolis to visit family and attend the Indy 500 and Brickyard events, which always involved a large group of family and friends. Later in life, Larry began deer hunting and that became his second great passion. Through his hunting activities, Larry met many wonderful friends.
Larry spent several years in the Boy Scouts and became a Scout leader some years later. He always regarded his time with the Scouts as an important part of his life.
While in high school, Larry met Judy Graham, and they married in 1957 and they later divorced. Larry then married Jenny Kitchen in 1977.
Larry’s faith was his driving force in all things.
Professionally, Larry spent most of his career in the soft drink business, initially with Coca-Cola in Louisville, KY, and later with Pepsi-Cola in Miami FL, Warren OH and West Palm Beach.
“Pa” was a very special, loving soul who will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Family will meet with friends on Saturday, September 30, 2023 starting at 10 am with the service starting at 11 am at the Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center, 5411 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33417.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. A guide is available here: https://www.vanderbilthealth.org/memorialgiving
