Larry Kelly
July 5, 1946 ~ December 19, 2021
Larry Dana Kelly was called home December 18, 2021 in Avinger, Texas at the age of 75. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Roy H. Kelly and wife, Deborah (Dodie) Kelly. He is survived by his daughters, Tricia Kelly of Salisbury, North Carolina, Angela Kelly and her partner Matt Schnable of Boone, North Carolina, mother Lu Kelly of Longview, brother Mike Kelly and wife Susan, sisters Shannon Kelly Fleet of Avinger and Robin Alston of White Oak along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and lifelong friend Thetta Hunter.
Larry was born in Granbury, Texas on July 5, 1946. During his early teen years, his family moved to the Longview area and he graduated from Pine Tree High School in 1964. Larry was drafted in the United States Army and served from 1966-1969. Larry was a Green Beret and served as a member of the 5th Special Forces Group “A” Team. Larry was awarded the Bronze Medal with a V-device for acts of valor in combat. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Viet-Nam Campaign Medal, Viet-Nam Service Medal, Overseas Bars, Parachute Badge and the Viet-Nam Parachute Badge which are referred to as Jump Wings. Larry also served in the National Guard from 1969-1979.
During the 1970s, Larry moved his family to North Carolina and was employed as an electrician and millwright. He worked at Celenese Corp as a fabricator, maintenance, and was a great trouble-shooter in many other areas of the business. He was an avid photographer and always had his camera with him. Larry enjoyed his fishing trips to the Outer Banks with his fishing buddies. Larry also had a soft spot for animals and there
was no doubt that he loved his cats.
He made his way back to the East Texas area and soon retired. He spent most of his days with family and friends. He loved connecting with people and never met a stranger. Jokes and funny stories were intertwined with conversations. If he ever started his story with “Did I ever tell you about the time...” you were in for a good belly laugh. His loving heart was just as big as his personality. He served his country in his younger years and served veterans during retirement by transporting them to appointments, both locally and out of town. We can only imagine the conversations that went on during those trips. It was also common for him to quietly pick up the tab for law enforcement when dining out. That’s just who he was - a true servant to others. If you needed him, he was there.
Services for Larry Kelly, 75, of Avinger, will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Reeder-Davis Chapel. There will be a time of visitation starting 1:00 pm Tuesday prior to the service. Burial to follow 1:00pm Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Georges Creek Cemetery in Nemo, Texas under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Ore City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Texas Angel Network.
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We will sure miss Larry and know he is enjoying heaven with those who went before him. Larry always made me laugh with his humor and we will always remember those overalls. We sure enjoyed our visits to Longview and of course, you can't have a get together without eating out. One thing I know is Larry truly loved all of his family and friends. We thank Larry for his sacrifices for our country in a troubled time, he was there fighting for our freedom. We are praying for comfort for all of the family and friends especially for Mike, Shannon, Robin, Aunt Lu; may God give you all comfort and peace as we say goodbye to him for now. Until we see you one day in heaven dear cousin Larry. You were loved by many.
Such a good man. He will be missed by everyone that knows him.
Dear Tricia, Angela and family, I am praying for comfort for you all. When I
picture Larry, he is always smiling. He was so willing to help anyone in need and there was very little he couldn't do. I wish I had thanked him for his service to our country especially earning the Green Beret, but his sacrifice is greatly appreciated. He loved his family and friends and that was reciprocated. God bless you all in your loss.
My uncle Larry was so funny, so kind, so real. He was friends with everyone. Knew the darnedest things. And made every time a good one. I always wanted to hear more of what he had to say even if I didn't agree, he was always so intriguing. And will be truly missed. I'll always treasure our moments and you will ALWAYS be wearing overalls. Love you
We were shocked as we're many others to hear of Larry's passing. He was such a kind man and had such a warm smile. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all family members.
Words are inadequate to express our shock and sadness at Larry's death. His genuine good nature, entertaining stories, and laughter fill our memories. We pray for God's peace and comfort to all of Larry's family and we keep you in our hearts and thoughts.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Larry’s passing. I remember him always with a smile and a funny story to tell. He had a kind heart and never met a stranger. His presence will be greatly missed by family and friends.
I, along with all that knew Larry, was so shocked and saddened to hear of his leaving this world. I have comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with those that he loved and preceeded him. Larry was, and I'm sure still is, such a great jokester and always bringing joy to anyone that knew him. There wasn't anything he couldn't, and probably wouldn't do,when he set his mind to it. I for one was so glad to call him my friend, family, and cherish the times we had together. You will be missed my brother.
I am so sorry to hear about Larry. He was a great guy and always a pleasure to be around.
Hugs and love to Aunt Lu, Mike, Shannon, Robin, and all the family.
See you again, Larry!! You will surely be missed by many. You were a special friend.😢?💕
Rest easy in Heaven with our other family members…you will be missed. We will all gather at the river…see you in heaven. Your loving cousin. Yvonne