Larry Samuel Lackey

Larry Samuel Lackey, age 79, of Ooltewah, TN passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026, following a three-month medical battle.

Larry was born in Clinton, Iowa, and moved to Chattanooga at the age of one, where he remained a lifelong resident. He was a man of deep curiosity, steady hands, and a wonderful sense of humor that kept everyone on their toes. His quick wit and perfectly timed remarks brought laughter to family and friends.

A lifelong lover of scuba diving, Larry was fortunate to travel the world exploring beneath the surface with his cherished dive buddies. He shared his passion by serving as an assistant dive instructor for classes at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, helping others discover the same sense of wonder he found in the water.

Larry devoted more than 36 years of service as an electrician with the Tennessee Valley Authority at the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant. His work ethic, reliability, and good-natured humor earned him the respect and affection of those who worked alongside him.

He was a graduate of Red Bank High School, Class of 1964, and later attended Tennessee Technological University. Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he attended drafting school and was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War as an Army private.

Outside of work, Larry was an avid woodworker who found joy in creating with his hands. He also loved working in his yard and spending time outdoors. In his younger years, he was active in scouting and proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout-an achievement that reflected his discipline, leadership, and perseverance.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Robinson Lackey and Joseph McVeigh Lackey and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Jean Hankins.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Hankins Lackey; daughter, Gina Diane Lackey; sister and brother-in-law, Joan Lackey Moore and Gordon Moore; niece, Elizabeth Moore Keene; one great-niece and one great-nephew; along with numerous extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

To share condolences with the Lackey family please visit www.lane-southcrestchapel.com

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the SPARCTN a chapter of Move United at www.sparctn.org and Signal Centers of Chattanooga at www.signalcenters.org who are both instrumental in his daughter's life.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. The family will be fulfilling Larry's wishes by having a ceremony at sea where he will be scattered.

Arrangements are by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory located at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville, GA.