He was born July 26, 1941, in Inglewood, California then moved with his parents to Oklahoma as a young boy. He graduated from Northwest Classen High School and went on to attend Oklahoma State University.
Soon after, he joined the U.S. Army where he was a photographer and photo lab specialist and went on to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years. He also received a decorated Medal of Excellence for Sharp Shooting.
In 1960, he went to work for Kerr McGee Oil Industries in Oklahoma City, starting in the mailroom. This position allowed him to deliver mail to a beautiful young woman named Marilyn and asked her to the company picnic in 1961. They were married in 1963. He went on to become a purchasing manager of tubular products for Kerr McGee and retired after 38 years.
Larry was active in May Avenue Methodist Church, continuing to support and attend after it’s merger with Ridgecrest Methodist, becoming Cornerstone UMC. He loved singing in the choir, participating in chili cook-offs and all sorts of boards and committees. He was a great supporter of the youth group, sponsoring ski trips when he and Marilyn were newlyweds and continued when his own children became youth as well. He also coached the church’s softball teams.
Along with loving to snow ski, he was an avid golfer whose foursome played nearly every week. He also had a tennis foursome with church buddies that played every week. He grew up learning to hunt and fish, continuing that passion throughout his life. He took many family trips to Colorado where he loved camping, hiking and being outdoors.
He also loved working with his hands through woodworking and mechanical things, along with anything regarding home improvement and maintenance. Larry was always a do it yourself man and said “if you have the right tools it makes any job easier”. He credits his dad with teaching him and he went on to teach and instill the same passion in Cindy and Jeff.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys and father, Virgil, sisters, Jerry and Pat, half brother, Jimmy, a niece and two nephews.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marilyn Rose Harris, daughter, Cindy Harris Baker, son, Jeff Harris, daughter-in-law, Kristen, grandchildren, Harrison and Henry Farson, Ryan, Caden and Cailey Harris and a future great-grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude’s, Lewy’s Body Dementia Association or a charity of their choice.
