Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Larry Williams Obituary
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008, at Byrd Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Randy Woodham and Mike Pearson officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Byrd Funeral Home on West Main Street directing. The family will receive friends in the chapel at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Larry Paul was born Aug. 24, 1951, in Dothan. After graduating from Huntington College he taught English and drama at Dothan High School and Northview High School until his retirement from the Dothan City School System. He loved to travel to New York City with students and introduce them to theater and fine dining. He directed and performed in several SEACT plays.
In 1967, at the age of 16, Larry became the organist at Lafayette Street United Methodist Church. He faithfully shared his gift of music serving as organist and many times as choir director.
Larry owned Larry Paul's Catering and Flowers. He was a well known gourmet chef and floral designer. All of his events, weddings, anniversaries, dinner parties, etc., were uniquely special occasions for his clients.
Because of his numerous talents and generosity, he will be missed by many friends and family.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James Arthur and Clara Davney Williams of Dothan.
He is survived by brothers, Murray (Jennifer) Williams of Dothan and Jerry (Judy) Williams of Clinton, Miss.; and several nieces and nephews.
Byrd Funeral Home, (334) 793-3003, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Williams
Kelli Westfall
July 21, 2025
Worked for his catering company while living in Dothan in 2004-2005, he was very talented and knew everything you needed to know about cooking, flower arranging and randomly, ice skating although not exactly what you would call "a nice person" lol. He was an outstanding teacher and I learned a ton from him, and will remember him always, even now in 2025, I think about him or his teachings almost weekly, especially while in my catering kitchen. His reach is far, as I am in North Alabama, South Tennessee's area. Larry´s memory and his mark on me will always be there and I cherish it greatly. Additionally, he made me a gmail account because he was "tired of me not having a damn email address like a normal person " lol and I still use it today, 20 years later!
Julia Ann (Bailey) Riddle
November 16, 2008
Even before we started elementary school, our mothers were friends so Larry came to my prekindergarten birthday parties and we shared other special occasions. I have fond memories of being blessed by Larry's friendship, caring nature and by seeing his smile through all 12 years until we graduated from high school and I moved away. From reading the messages from many of his friends, it is clear that he continued to bless and inspire the lives of others throughout his life through his genuine warmth, kind and caring spirit and sharing his talents. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will always have a special place in the hearts and minds of those who were privileged to know him.
Joan Schairer
November 4, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Pamela Pitman Brown
October 28, 2008
The world has lost a wonderful talented man. Anyone who had Larry as a teacher holds fond memories of him in their heart.
Jennifer Flucker
October 27, 2008
I am so sad and surprised by Mr. Williams' passing. He was an awesome teacher. I really enjoyed him as a theater teacher. Mr. Williams will be truly missed.
HILDA (BRAGG) JACKSON
October 27, 2008
I am so sad to hear of Larry's death. He was way more than a teacher to me. He was truly one of the best friends I have ever had. Larry always saw the best in me and encouraged me in what ever I choose to do in life. When I went away to college and for many years after, Larry's house was always my first stop in Dothan on the way home. If he wasn't there, I would visit with his mom. I always felt welcomed and loved. I will never forget him and what he has meant to me. HEGABA
Sandra Stokes Walden
October 26, 2008
Murry, Jerry and families, Larry and I grew up in Southside Baptist Church together from our earliest years. VBS, youth group trips, football games, riding around on Sunday afternoons and after evening services in Flo Fraley's older gray car (bought by one of our older friends) and many other activities. We rode to school together our junior and senior years, spent lunch (coke and cheese crackers) in the covered area under the library. His strawberry cake was wonderful and but the baked fish (fish caught by your mother and Mrs. Marley at the river) was my favorite. He played for my wedding, taught my children and catered my son's wedding reception. We always had a great time thanks to Larry and his many talents. He will be missed by so many,
Danny Riley
October 24, 2008
The world just got a little less theatrical without Larry in it....He was tough at times but only wanted the best for me...You will be missed!
Keith Thompson
October 24, 2008
A very sad thing, the world losing Larry. What an influence he was on me and my career direction. He'll be missed.
Cyndi Veale Watson
October 23, 2008
I was so sad to hear about Mr. Williams. He was such an entertaining teacher. Yearbook was such a fun class. He catered my wedding reception quite a few years ago as well as our reunion this past year. He did an exceptional job at both! Dothan will not be the same without him. We will miss you Mr. Williams!
Alberta Keener
October 23, 2008
Dothan is smaller without you. So much talent in such a special person, you will be missed.
Stephanie Sizemore
October 23, 2008
Larry was a great guy I had the opportunity to meet through the 'Happy Hour at Grand Central Station Gang'.
He will certainly be missed!!
Bobbie Eason Kirkland
October 23, 2008
Murry, Jerry & Family: Knew you twins from High School (I was class of '63) but came to know Larry many years later through his flower and catering business. He was one of the friendliest and most pleasant people I have known. He will be missed greatly by all the folks who knew him and his works. Hope he is having fun dancing among the flowers in Heaven as we think of him here on earth with fondest thoughts. God bless your family as you go through this time of lost.
Bobbie Eason Kirkland
Stephanie Cronin
October 23, 2008
I was very saddened to hear of Larry's passing. He and my grandmother, Jane Foster were good friends and she enjoyed playing organ and piano with him at Lafayette Street. I will always remember his beautiful playing and love for music. He will be missed.
Brad Parrish
October 23, 2008
Thank you, Larry, for being such a great teacher and a great friend to my family during my grandmother's untimely death. You will be sorely missed by everyone who knew you. I was glad to be able to see you this summer. The Parrish family is thinking of you and your family.
Wendell Denham
October 22, 2008
My deepest sympathies go out to the Williams family. It is a very sad day for me to hear of the passing of one of my classmates. Larry will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers go with you.
Zona Daniell
October 22, 2008
Although he leaves us in body, his spirit and talent will linger always...Condolences to the family for their loss....
Tom "Tommy" Watson
October 22, 2008
Larry was truly a major positive influence in my life. As teacher, mentor and friend, he inspired a long career in theatre, film and music. Thank you for everything, Larry! I am deeply saddened tonight, but I know that you are spreading joy and music somewhere in the universe as I write this. You have been and will always be a wonderful inspiration.
Priscilla Andrews-Ford
October 22, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the Williams family. Larry was such a talented person and a great loss for Dothan. You are blessed with such wonderful memories of him. May God comfort and bless you.
Patti Mizell
October 22, 2008
Murray,
Our family did not know Larry Paul long but he made a great impression on us.
We were so proud to have him do our daughter's wedding reception. I hate that he missed it because he had some really great creative things he was going to do for it but unfortunately they did not happen.I want to thank you and Ozzie for stepping in and finishing everything so the event continued even though Larry was not there. You guys were great and we really appreciate your desire to carry on for Larry. Thanks also to Ms. Kirkland for stepping in although her call to me on Thursday morning was a shocker and stress factor. Things went great for our event but it was only because of the love for Larry from his friends that made it happen. God bless you and keep you through these tough times and may you find peace through the fact that Larry was a great man in his walk on this earth. Our prayers and love are extended to his family during this time of loss.
Nancy Robinson
October 22, 2008
Larry and my family had some good times together. Larry and I loved to cook together, do SEACT plays, and go out late to Boomers with friends. He catered Ashley and Paige's weddings beautifully and with great loving care. I know Dothan will miss him. I know I will.
barbara schlueter
October 22, 2008
I have so many wonderful and dear memories of Larry. From Student to true friend. What a wonderful person who has left me with some great memories . I will always remember his contagious smile and his tell-tell laugh!
Blumberg
Betsy Kellenberger
October 22, 2008
Larry will be missed by many in Dothan and the surrounding area. He touched many through teaching English, directing theatre and catering parties and weddings. I met him through SEACT and worked with him on several plays. He always demanded the best and the finished product always showed it! Hail and farewell Larry!
Russell Rana
October 22, 2008
You'll truly be missed.
Bobby & Patricia Granger
October 22, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you feel the loving arms of God around you. Larry used to bring wonderful shrimp to the teacher dinners at NHS. May
God be with each of you.
Ashley (Robinson) Bunkley
October 22, 2008
Larry was a part of my life for as long as I could remember. He played our uncle in the Sound of Music (I was in 3rd grade), taught english and drama to me in high school, catered my wedding and gave me the only two champagne glasses I received as a gift. I have so many memories and will always remember what a wonderful talent Larry was in so many ways. He will be dearly missed.
Randall Johnson
October 22, 2008
I'll never forget the music at Lafayette Street. Larry will truly be missed. My prayers go out to the family.
Kelly Burk
October 22, 2008
Larry Williams was a truly magnificent teacher--in English, theater and life. His spirit will be missed and it will live on. Thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Williams, his family and his friends.
YVONNE BRYANT
October 22, 2008
I SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MR. WILLIAMS. HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.
Faye Deal Campbell
October 22, 2008
I have fond memories of Larry and his wonderful talents from high school! My prayers are with his family.
Rhenella Smith
October 22, 2008
To Larry,
O Captain, my captain! !
You will SO be missed!
Charles Stephenson
October 22, 2008
I met Larry when we we both 16 years old. We were going to a drama festival and I asked him if I could bum a cigarette..We were friends ever since. We went to Huntingdon together and after graduation, I would come home for holidays and I would always head to Larry's after doing the "family thing." I would always find old friends sitting around Larry's kitchen table. I moved back to Dothan three years ago and and for one last time, I was invited to gather around that old table with Larry and his friends for dinner. Somehow I thought Larry would always be there. I'll miss you my old friend.
Chan Roark
October 22, 2008
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." Larry was one of the most brilliant threads in the tapestry of Dothan: from his inspiration to students to his warm hospitality and incredible foods to his sage advice and especially that impish smile. He will be greatly missed.
Emily Boyle
October 22, 2008
My friends still talk about the wonderful "museum of food and flowers" Larry so creatively and thoughtfully created for my wedding. He was so incredibly talented. My thoughts are with his friends and family.
David A. Smith
October 22, 2008
Larry was a heck of a guy who was so talented in so many areas. When I first met him , so many years ago, I remember thinking , " This is a person who will never stay in Dothan , Al ". Well , he did and we are so much richer for his decision . So , Goodbye , Larry , thank you for your time and love to our communitee .
Susan Barnes
October 22, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear of Larry Williams passing. As a former student of Dothan High School, I can still remember him making us practice the pronunciation of THEATER, and not thee-AY-ter. He would be proud to know I've never pronounced the word differently since I was a senior in high school. He helped me develop a lifelong appreciation of the art of acting and drama. He will be missed.
Kim Wise
October 22, 2008
Mr.Williams,
You played in such a huge part of my life. I will be forever thankful for all you did for me while in your classes, cheering at Northview and my efforts at Dothan School of Dance. Your endless support made me proud of my endeavors. I think you know what you meant to me. Your wonderful spirit will never be forgotten! I will always have you in my heart.
Truly,
Laurie Axtell
October 21, 2008
Murray and family.
I extend my deepest condolences to each of you! Larry was a dear friend for 51 years, beginning with the 1st grade at Southside. I treasured our special bond and always admired his many talents!! I pray God will give you strength during these dark days.
Eva Phillips
October 21, 2008
God Bless Larry. He was major fun, and really had a vision for life.
He'll be missed.
Andy Coleman
October 21, 2008
I had Mr. Williams for a homeroom teacher at Northview. He was so nice to me and at Christmas he told us all when we left his room that morning of Christmas break Merry Christmas my young friends. I am sorry for your loss. He was a sweet man.
Matthew Montoya
October 21, 2008
He was a great teacher.
Rest well Mr. Williams
Kathryn Bauman Rubenstein
October 21, 2008
LP,
So many fond and wonderful memories of you. Dothan was blessed with all you did to bring joy to so many. Your creative spirit made you truly unforgettable!
Kim Wise
October 21, 2008
Mr.Williams,
You played in such a huge part of my life. I will be forever thankful for all you did for me while in your classes, cheering at Northview and my efforts at Dothan School of Dance. Your endless support made me proud of my endeavors. I think you know what you meant to me. Your wonderful spirit will never be forgotten! I will always have you in my heart.
Truly,
Danny Lewis
October 21, 2008
Larry wlll surely be missed by all of us who knew him as a classmate, teacher, chef, actor and director, and most of all as a friend.
It is hard to believe someone I have known since second grade at Southside Elementary is gone, but I know he will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him. Rest in peace my friend!
Jo Geisler
October 21, 2008
The Wiregrass has lost a truly talented man who has impacted many lives with art and culture. We will miss him at the DHS 1969 40th reunion.
Bob Hardie
October 21, 2008
Larry had a wonderful, infectious zeal for life, sharing his talents and enthusiasm with all - we will miss him.
Nicole Holland
October 21, 2008
Mr. Williams, my former and favorite high school drama and English teacher, was such a positive inspiration in my life. I worked with Mr. Williams on several high school productions as well as SEACT, and I noticed that he had such a great directorial vision (he did an amazing job with Cabaret), and he was very passionate about the arts. It was such an honor having Mr. Williams as a friend, director and teacher. Without his positive influence and guidance, I would not be where I am today. He is truly missed and will always be remembered.
Margaret, Todd & Clay Richardson (Ray Richardson family)
October 21, 2008
Murray and Jerry, we would like to express our sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sherrell Brazzell
October 21, 2008
I hadn't seen Larry since high school but remember him as a talented individual who contributed much to those whose lives he touched. From reading the other entries in this guest book, it is obvious he continued those traits throughout his life. My prayers are with his family.
George Antrobus
October 21, 2008
Sincere condolences to the Williams family, we just lost a good guy.
Lets see, there was school, Deb was there with him from the get go, I showed up later.
There was DHS theatre, class of 69'.
He was organist at our wedding.
There were the ten years we were
colleagues, both schools.
He did my Son's after rehearsal party and our DIL and Son's wedding-a-ding-ding!
He'd throw me and f' a treat every now and again and we'd get to play for one of his wonderful events.
He is just one of the best guys I ever knew and I will think of him always.
Hey LPW,
Ya' got any of them li'l smokey saurachages in the bbq sauce with the chips and dip?
One of ours is missing.
Later...
rbiii
Tommy Daniel
October 21, 2008
Goodbye Larry.
Prayers go up for God's peace on your loved ones.
leeAnne berryhill
October 21, 2008
Mr. Williams was one of the few teachers I actually enjoyed at Northveiw. I was a student in his drama class and he was truly interested in teaching and made it fun. He also catered our reunion last year,class of 1987, and everything was spectacular and he remembered me! I am truly saddened to hear of his death but I know heaven is a brighter place with him there..until we meet again.peace leeAnne
Eryn Lunceford
October 21, 2008
Larry touched so many and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
As a child I spent many years working with him at SEACT and will treasure those moments. I also had the pleasure of working with him when I attended Northview High School.
What a wonderful man!!!
Doris Arnold Spears
October 21, 2008
Larry and I have been friends for 51 years! I will truly miss his smiles and laughter. He was a wonderful and talented person.
Mary phares
October 21, 2008
The community has lost a great talent....
Sara Andrews
October 21, 2008
Larry Williams was an amazing teacher who I was fortunate enough to work with at both Dothan and Northview High Schools. His classes were exciting, fun and a real learning experience for his students. Talented, artistic, intelligent are only three of the many adjectives that describe Larry. He will be truly missed in Dothan, Alabama.
Mark Bullard
October 21, 2008
With deepest sympathy.
Walt, Melinda and Kelsey Loftin
October 21, 2008
A man who lived his life always to the fullest. Gone to soon. We will miss you. Our thoughts are with the family.
Nellie Graham
October 21, 2008
I will miss him dearly.
Marile Hamman (Smitherman) Peterson
October 21, 2008
Larry was a very dear friend, I catered with Larry for many, many years. Larry taught me so many great things over the years that no one else could. Larry was very special to me. Just this past spring I went by to visit Larry at his shop to share laughs. He was very excited to see me. Asking if I had carried on the things that he had taught me over the years. As he always called me "ML" short for Marile. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. If there is anything that I can do please feel free to contact me anytime.
Gail Mitchell
October 21, 2008
What a lost to so many. Larry was a great, funny man. I know he was not only a English instructor, but a good friend to both of my children. I always enjoyed seeing him around Dothan. He sure shared his talents with so many and I know that heaven sure did welcome him home. He will be missed! I am so very sorry for your great lost. Gail Mitchell
Kitty Carpenter
October 21, 2008
Larry will be missed very much by me. He was a very special person. I always looked forward to hearing his voice when he came though my doors in the linen room at Loftin's.
jesse christmas
October 21, 2008
Murray, Jerry and family I am sorry to hear of the lost of your brother.
Kim King
October 21, 2008
As a high school classmate of Larry's, I was greatly saddened to hear of his untimely death. I remember Larry as supremely witty, truly funny and always in rare form. At the same time he was one of the most genuinely kind of all our classmates, always willing to give of himself and his time. Although I have lived away from Dothan since I was 18, I read the many accounts of the wonderful contributions he made both to the city I still consider home and its youth with great interest and appreciation. It is always sad when someone goes before his or her time, particularly so when it is one of the good ones. We as a class will miss him.
Sandra, Dale, Eryn Lunceford
October 21, 2008
Larry will be sorely missed! What a loss to the Wiregrass communities, as well as to friends and colleagues. Dale and I have many fond memories of his friendship during our years in education. Our associations with him in SEACT warm our hearts.
We will miss this kind and talented man.
Cindy Woodcox
October 21, 2008
To the Williams family,
I was so saddened to hear that Larry had passed away. I know he will be deeply missed. Larry was my choir director at LSUMC and he also catered my wedding in 2000. I have always enjoyed his sense of humor and great personality.
You will all be in my family's thoughts and prayers.
Denise (Johnson) Cape
October 21, 2008
I had Mr. Williams as a drama instructor at Dothan High. He directed me in God's Favorite and Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon. He was so much fun and some of my best high school memories revolve around those times. I will never forget him sitting in the middle of the auditorium at DHS yelling at us and making us get it just right. I have had the pleasure of seeing him here and there over the years and he was always so kind. I have been praying for him during his illness and am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will never forget him.
Martha Whatley Alexander
October 21, 2008
To Larry's brothers and family:
The DHS Class of '69 remembers one of its truly greatest classmates. His kind and friendly ways were always present and he brought so much talent into the lives of others. We will miss him.
John Parker
October 21, 2008
Larry was my high school drama teacher and yearbook adviser. If it weren't for his influence, I wouldn't be where I am today. I am thankful for his influence in my life and will miss him greatly.
James Knowles
October 21, 2008
A good and faithful friend. Never met a stranger. You never had to look for Larry in high school. Just listen. He was holding court somewhere. We have lost a good man.
Kent Williams
October 21, 2008
It was an honor for me to have known Larry. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Crystal Aldrich
October 21, 2008
Paul Aldrich (Northview - Gypsy) and Crystal Aldrich
Patty Fillman
October 21, 2008
Murray and Uncle Jerry(Aunt Judy)-
We were saddened to hear this news. Please know we will continue pray for all of you during this difficult time. God Bless you all!
Patty, Brenda, Mavis, Alfred, and Mary Jane
Pam Hearn-Bedford
October 21, 2008
As classmates and Thespians at Dothan High, Larry was a wonderful friend. God had blessed him with many talents and he used them to make others happy. My prayers go out to his family.
Dan Bradley
October 21, 2008
Larry was my High School Drama teacher at Dothan High School. He was a wonderful teacher. My wife and I had the good fortune of hiring Larry's catering service last year and amazingly enough he still remembered me. The Rehearsal Dinner that he put on for my son and his bride was amazing. Larry will be missed.
Linda Pybus Baker
October 21, 2008
Murray and family, Larry and I went all through school together, Southside, Young Jr. and Dothan High. He was always so friendly, kind and talented. He will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
LeAnn Judah-McLendon
October 21, 2008
To Mr. Williams family,
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Williams. He taught me English at Northview and I not only had an English instructor, but a very good friend. Mr. Williams had more "class" in his little finger than most people will ever know! He certainly touched my life, for the better. He will be greatly missed. God bless all of you.
LeAnn Judah-McLendon (Class of 98)
Matt Bullard
October 21, 2008
Matt Bullard
Kathy Tucker
October 21, 2008
I had Mr Williams for my English teacher at Northview. I remember him using his love of theater to help bring what was normally rather dry English literature to life for us. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.
Showing 1 - 82 of 82 results
Make a Donation
in Larry Williams's name
Memorial Events
for Larry Williams
How to support Larry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Larry Williams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
