Larry Nix

Memorial Service: Saturday, June 10th, 11 a.m. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 4814 Paper Mill Road SE, Marietta, GA 30067

LTC (RET) LARRY KENNETH NIX

January 16,1939 - May 15, 2017

As the sun rose ...

As the sun rose at 6:38 a.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017, Larry K. Nix, whose favorite song was Morning Has Broken, passed from his life on earth.

Born “under a lighter stump” in Eldorendo, Georgia on Monday, January 16, 1939 to a hardscrabble Southern family and taught well by his beloved Mama Ruby, he grew to live a life of integrity, with service to his country, family, friends and strangers alike who felt his welcome and warmth.

He was the best friend a husband could be to Alice, his wife of 51 years, proud loving father to three terrific kids Laura Nix Gerson, Sharon “Rona” Nix, Greg Nix, doting gramps of Vivi Gerson (8) with excited anticipation for twin grandsons on the way. He was truly a friend to all who needed one, caretaker of anything that needed to be done, teller of some of the most embellished tales ever told, stickler for accuracy (outside of his tall-tales) and detail in all things, generous giver, and quiet listener.

Always a Christian, he was an active member of the Lutheran Church, having been introduced to this reformation faith by his wife. Between his notorious “I’m just resting my eyes” naps he happily lent his baritone voice to the choir and stayed astute for his church leadership on many committees, including presidency of a congregation. His joy of sailing grew as an active member in the South Wind Sailing Club of Lake Allatoona, where he served as Commodore and organizer of the annual Commodore’s Ball (silly themed attire appreciated). Through the fun of the sailing club, Larry and Alice enjoyed several adventurous blue water sailing trips with good friends. Bainbridge, Georgia was a place of deep connection as Ruby raised him amongst his five Aunts whom he loved dearly. Bainbridge High School (Class of ‘57) was his alma mater and throughout the years he deepened friendships with both his classmates and cousins with regular visits. His wife and kids will always remember the drives back to his hometown for “the Tour” with Larry knocking on the doors of unsuspecting family and friends with a big warm “Well, Hellloooo … we were just in the neighborhood and thought to stop by for a visit.”

Panama City, Florida was a regular destination throughout his lifetime eventually becoming a second home for him and Alice. Meant as a place of relaxation, it also became a place of purpose. He joined his condo association board where, of course, he became President. The memories of Larry along the Gulf Coast will last as the place he enjoyed his favorite glass of Pinot Noir and roasted peanuts overlooking the bay at sunset, eating oysters at every local seafood joint, spending time with his best friend and brother Paul (a local celebrity of his own variety), and introducing his granddaughter to the magic of crabbing in the mucky sand and seashell searches on the sugar white beaches.

Having always wanted to be a soldier, at 16 he lied about his age to join the National Guard. In 1962 he graduated with the first class of the Georgia Military Institute, commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army National Guard. He went on to serve active duty from 1963, after graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science from the School of Business, to 1986, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) from the U.S. Army. His posts took him from Fort Knox, Kentucky where he met his future bride Alice Pfeiffer (also active duty military) while flirting with nurses and medical staff in the hospital officer’s mess, to Turkey, Maryland, Colorado, Korea, Alabama, Iran, Georgia, New Mexico, and Germany. He continued his education while serving and helping to raise his family, earning an MA in Procurement Management from Webster University and an MBA from New Mexico Highlands University. After his active duty retirement, he brought his family home to Georgia, where he joined the ranks of those serving in civil service at Fort McPherson from 1988 to 2011.

His official service constituted 54 years, but his purpose and commitment to doing the right thing carried him throughout his lifetime. Even up to his last days, ravaged but not defeated by the rampage of an aggressive sarcoma of the liver, he rallied to complete his mission to his family, friends and neighbors. Larry did not go without taking care of every last detail - a soldier to the end.

For all who would like to attend, Larry will receive a full honor service for his interment at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA, Friday June 9th, 11 a.m. His memorial service at his church of over 30 years, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, is Saturday June 10th, 11 a.m., 4814 Paper Mill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067. Food, hugs, laughter through tears and hopefully a singalong to Sweet Caroline will be hosted afterwards in the gathering room.

As Larry would say, the door is always open, come on in and pull up a chair … we know Saint Peter has extended him the same welcome and the embellished and detailed tales have commenced ...

*In lieu of flowers please make a donation to

http://www.curesarcoma.org/larry-k-nix/ or simply support your own favorite charities and organizations as Larry was a believer in always helping others.