Larry Gene Wheat
September 2, 1946 ~ April 9, 2024
Born in:
Mena, Arkansas
Resided in:
Hughes Springs, Texas
Larry Gene Wheat, 77, of Hughes Springs was born September 2, 1946 in Mena, Arkansas to Chester and Elpha Wheat. Larry married Pat Henry Wheat on May 27, 1967 and they shared 54 wonderful years together.
Larry is remembered for his work at AEP Swepco and his many years working in the family logging business. At work he was known as the neanderthal or giant walking across the coal yard. He was a giant of a man with a calm spirit, but if he ever started clinching his teeth, one might best leave the area. The only thing larger than his hands was his generous and loving heart, especially for his grandbabies. Larry collected multiple types and calibers of guns, ammunition, and knives. He loved reloading, shooting, hunting, and fishing. He loved anything outdoors, except mowing. Larry could take a rifle or pistol that wasn’t in perfect firing order and fix it to perfection. He always had a pistol or two at arms reach beside his chair. Larry was lovingly referred to as Gampaw by not only his grandkids, but almost anyone who knew him. This was penned by his oldest and only granddaughter, Payton, “So many childhood memories include my Gammy and Gampaw. We spent most afternoons after school at their house. Those afternoons usually included many (probably too many) snacks, snuggles, cartoons and wild cherry Pepsi. I can remember riding with Gampaw in his old green Chevy truck to the gas station to get a banana fudge bomb pop for myself and a big shot popsicle for Garrett. He has a sweet tooth the size of Texas and kept caramel Hershey kisses in the arm of his recliner and was guaranteed to have a stocked supply of whatever candy obsession he had at the time. He is the reason I know all the words to the “Battle of New Orleans” and how to play the juice harp, but he also taught me generosity, unconditional love and caring for others. Gampaw had the biggest heart for his grandkids and he spoiled us all rotten. He showed up for us as much as he could and would give us the shirt off his back if we asked for it. His heart only grew when his great-grandbabies came along. He was a gentle giant of a man and I’ll never forget how tiny each of our babies looked in his arms, covered by his hands. Going over to Gampaw’s house has been one of their favorite afternoon activities too, just like it was mine. Seeing him with them, having dance parties, raiding his popcorn and jelly beans, and playing with the same toys I played as a kid, are also memories I will hold in my heart forever and I hope and pray my kids will too. After Gammy’s stroke, Gampaw did all he could to care for her. He showed us what it means to love someone through sickness and health and I will forever admire him for that. My heart aches at the loss of such a wonderful man, but I will cling to the memories and also to the truth that Gampaw had placed his faith in the Lord and is with Him in glory, free of pain, reunited with Gammy, and in the presence of our Lord and Savior. I know I will see him again one day”.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Wheat; his parents, Chester Author and Elpha Elena Wheat; and brother, Harold Duane Wheat.
He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Michele Nelson and husband Greg of Hughes Springs; son, Bradley Gene Wheat and wife Ginger of Hughes Springs; grandchildren, Payton Elyce Marchand and husband Colin, Garrett James Nelson and wife Shelby, Carter Bradley Wheat and wife Callie, Cade Braden Wheat and girlfriend Kelsi, Collin Brady Wheat, Chelsi Rene Vissering and husband Billy, Kody Layne Burns; great-grandchildren, Parker Evelyn Marchand, Nelson James Marchand, Bentley Jack Vissering, Axel Layne and Creed Henry Vissering, Penny Elizabeth Marchand, Jones Gregory Nelson, Corey Bradley Wheat; sister, Debra Newsom and husband Lee; sisters-in-law, Molly Henry and Carolyn Henry; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Larry Gene Wheat, age 77,of Hughes Springs, will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Hughes Springs, with Bro. Joseph Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation with the family from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the funeral home.
Services
Funeral Ceremony: April 12, 2024 10:00 am
First Baptist Church of Hughes Springs
302 E 3rd St
Hughes Springs, TX 75656
Visitation: April 11, 2024 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Reeder-Davis Funeral Home - Hughes Springs
1213 Hanes Blvd
Hughes springs, Texas 75656
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Our Condolences to Brad, Ginger and the entire family of Mr. Wheat. We did not know him that well but based on the comments of his family and knowing some of his family he must have been a great man. Our prayers our with this dear family.