Larry Lee Thigpen

The Life and Times of Larry Lee Thigpen
LOVE shines through eternity and it's only a heartbeat away.
At life's last heartbeat, Larry saw the Savior's LOVE in its unending brilliance and took hold of eternity on June 11, 2019.

Larry Lee Thigpen was born in Austin, Texas on April 18, 1951 to Lee Willie and Myrtle Mackey Thigpen. Raised in the heart of East Austin between the Mackey and Thigpen households, Larry received the richness of family and neighborhood love.

At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at the Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Church, which was located at the end of the block from Thigpen's home. 2305 E. 11th Street carries a magnitude of memories in the mind and hearts of the Thigpens. It was in the home of Ollie Thigpen, his fraternal grandmother that Larry had brother cousins in Jerry, Thomas and Roscoe. These rambunctious and energetic boys still tell reminiscent stories of the equal amount of love and daily discipline at "mama's" hands.

Larry attended Austin's historic African-American Blackshear Elementary through the 5th grade under Friendly Rice and moved to Rosewood Elementary in the 6th grade. Thereafter, he attended Kealing Junior High and graduated from the "Original" L. C. Anderson High School, the Pride of East Austin and home of the "The Yellow Jackets." While attending Anderson, Larry was a member of the band under Mr. Alvin Patterson. As a band member, one of Larry's strong memories was In times of special events, the East Austin community came downtown in full support to watch the Yellow Jacket Band march down Congress Avenue. Larry also recalls with fondness of playing with the Ebony band during AquaFest Black Heritage theme night. The air was filled with the electricity of soulful sounds, the smell of good food, and a festive celebration of culture.

After graduation, Larry left Austin to attend Texas Southern University and eventually became a driver for Capitol Metro. He later attended Capitol Trade and Technical School as a student and eventually became an instructor in HVAC training. He had the privilege to work as a contractor for Fox Service Company servicing the greater Austin, TX and Georgetown areas. Larry eventually embraced entrepreneurship and launched his own business in the HVAC field.

In departing this life, Larry now joins his parents, Lee Willie and Myrtle , maternal grandparents, Ananias and Bertha Baker Mackey, fraternal grandparents Willie Lee and Ollie Walton Thigpen, as well as his sister, Bobbie Edmondson White in eternal rest. He is survived by his beautiful and only daughter, Tara Latreece Thigpen-Knox by Armelda Virginia "Ginny" Knowles-Thigpen, (deceased) and his brother, Louis "Pete" Anderson Jr. (Almetra) and play sister, Dinease Hellen. He leaves to cherish his life in memory numerous family members, and friends.