Larry J. Bess

Larry J. Bess, 75, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Sunday, December 14, 2025, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Ocilla, Georgia, with the Rev. Rex Johnson and the Rev. Randy Shelley officiating. Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery in Coffee County, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Saturday evening at the funeral home in Ocilla.

Mr. Bess was born June 3, 1950, in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Eugene Brantley & Lillie Barfield Bess. He was a 1970 graduate of Irwin County High School. He worked for 32 years for Delphi Automotive Systems and Delco Remy/General Motors. Mr. Bess enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and riding his golf cart with his canine companion, Lily. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He dedicated many hours to coaching youth sports and was an avid supporter of Irwin County athletics.

He is survived by his children: Jason Bess & Lauren of Buford and Jessica Barrios & Sam of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Emmy Bess, Ellen Bess, Ramsay Bess, Hannah Barrios, and Kellan Barrios; and two brothers: Raymond Bess of Houston, Texas and Melvin Bess & Nora of Mexico. Several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Peggy Rowell Bess; siblings: Kenny Bess, Betty Moore, and Mary Jane Harper.

Paulk Funeral Home, Ocilla, is in charge of arrangements.