Born and raised in Yazoo City, known as the “Gateway to the Mississippi Delta,” Larry was well known for his loyal service to his small-town community. He began his career as a dispatcher for the Yazoo City Police Department after serving on their police reserves for many years. Having previous communications experience, the department soon relied on him to be their communications expert, in addition to his full-time position as a dispatcher. When a new patrol vehicle was purchased, Larry would wire and install its lights, sirens, and radio equipment. This was often accomplished after his regular shift hours and during his free time. Larry never hesitated when an officer would call in the early morning hours to report radio or light trouble in patrol cars. Larry was dependable and always willing to assist his fellow officers. In 2008, he retired as E-911 Dispatch Supervisor, after 25 years of devoted service.

After retiring, his willingness to give of his time and talents never wavered. He traded blue lights for red lights when he joined the Yazoo County District 3 Volunteer Fire Department after its inception in 2015. Larry served the volunteer fire department for six years and received the Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year award in 2020. His love for the fire department was demonstrated by his response to calls, attending fire meetings, attending training exercises, and endless other duties to help maintain the department’s trucks and firehouse.

Larry was a loving husband to his wife, Janet, for nearly 40 years. He was a doting father to his two children, Chris and Heather. Having practiced as a notable “grill master” over the years, Larry became affectionately known as “Bam Bam”—derived from Chef Emeril Lagasse’s catch phrase—by his five grandchildren. His love for grilling served him well at the fire department, too. He would help by cooking in the volunteer fire department’s concessions booth at the annual Yazoo County Fair. Larry would begin his preparation for the fair with eagerness and anticipation months in advance. He treasured the times he could fellowship with his fire department family.

Although our family misses him beyond measure, we find comfort in knowing he lost his life while doing something he truly loved and enjoyed. He was helping protect others in need while serving his community. Larry willingly answered all types of calls for assistance with a helping hand and, most importantly, a serving heart!