Michael McLarty

Mr. Michael Lynn "Mike" McLarty, 66, died Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at his home in Myrtle, Mississippi. The funeral will be Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 4:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Bro. Marty Merritt officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 2:30 P.M. in West Hall of Waller Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Mike was born on March 11, 1958, in El Paso, Texas, to the late Shelby Long and Hugh White McLarty. A graduate of The University of Mississippi, he was a member of Phi Psi Fraternity. After graduating, Mike found a new form of brotherhood in the world of trucking. He started Blue Mountain Trucking Company, which he operated for over 30 years. As Mike's business grew, he employed up to 65 drivers, sharing his knowledge and wisdom freely. On the road, he looked out not just for himself, but all of his fellow truckers and employees. Mike later went on to form Cotton Plant Transport. He was the former president of the Mississippi Trucking Association, a title he held with pride and gratitude. Through his efforts with the foundation, he created a scholarship to help fund higher education for children of truckers. Known by all as "Reload", he was famous for never coming home with an empty trailer bed, finding whatever load he could to make the trip more profitable.

While he was passionate about his work, nothing compared to the love and devotion Mike held for his family. A southern man through and through, he loved all things outdoors. He excelled in all types of hunting, but especially loved to turkey hunt. He generously made sure that his family always had a piece of land to hunt on and encouraged their pursuit of the sport. As an avid fan of Nascar and Ole Miss Football, you could often find him gathered around the TV with friends, rowdily cheering on his team or placing bets on cars.

Mike was a staple in the Hell Creek Community, where he could be seen daily riding through his land. He'd take these daily drives to check on his land and cows, but also to take stock of all of his blessings and soak in the great peace and solitude.

Mike is survived by his son, Jeremy McLarty and his wife, Joni, of Myrtle, MS; brothers, Mark McLarty and his wife, Milly, of Oxford, MS and Richie McLarty and his wife, Liz, of South Carolina; four grandchildren, Lexi McLarty, Cash McLarty, Leighton McLarty, and Hoyt McLarty; four nieces, Alex McLarty, Anna Kate McLarty, Grace McLarty, and Lily McLarty; two nephews, Macon Hemby and Hayes Hemby; as well as a host of cousins.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Mike's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.