Larry James Lemons

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Father, Grandfather, and Friend, Larry "Catfish" James Lemons, who left us at the age of 79 after succumbing to lung cancer. He was a man of faith, immense humor and profound wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. The community is welcome to the funeral service, to be held at Davis Funeral Home, in his hometown of Harriman, Tn on Tuesday October 8th, receiving of friends 4pm-7pm, service at 7p.m. and graveside service Wednesday at 2: 00pm. at Big Emory Baptist Church cemetery.

Larry "Catfish" Lemons was welcomed into the arms of Jesus 10/04/24 with his eldest daughter at bedside. All his loving family were near and had the great blessing of communicating with him and share his very last moments on earth. He was an extraordinary man. A man of great humility, generosity, and kindness. He had a special place in his heart for the oppressed, unfortunate, downtrodden and "forgotten souls". He lived to have a heart like Jesus - to love, offer grace, mercy, and hope to anyone needing encouragement. He was a United States Army Veteran, Specialist E4, serving during the worst time of the Vietnam war.

He is proceeded in death by his Parents Earl Frank Lemons and Jacqueline Lemons, siblings, Linda Lemons Parks, Sandra Lemons Stout, Jerry Mac Lemons, and Kay Lemons Christopher. And his beloved ex-wife Carol Ann Brock Lemons.

He is survived by his daughters Missi Lemons Scandlyn and Rena Lemons Ervin, Special Grand Daughters; Candace Nichole Scandlyn Pendergrass (Damyen "Poopie" Pendergrass) and Katie Ra'chae Scandlyn Taylor (Justin Taylor) and Step Grand Daughters Kinsley Leah Ervin and Kaylee Addisyn Ervin. Special son in laws; Adam Ervin and Matthew Langley. Great grandchildren, Ta'Naya Scandlyn, Ryder Taylor, "Reece the beast" Taylor, Ariyah Pendergrass, River Taylor and Da'Quan Pendergrass. Sister Rita (cotton) Webster. Many nieces and Nephews that he loved dearly. Also, a host of friends and family, including special friends, Anne Inman and Bobby Martin. Many 'adopted" grandkids along the way; too many to mention. He loved the enthusiasm of children and enjoyed handing out cash to them as often as he could.

With his ubiquitous sense of humor, (which was questionable at times), but kept us all laughing, his positive attitude, sheer muck power, strength and unwavering faith, he handled the hard stuff well. You wanted him on your team- and there are many out there who will feel his absence.

He was highly active throughout his entire life. His hobbies included golfing, softball, snow skiing, camping, and gardening.

He enjoyed time with family and friends, being on the Emory River, TN football, TN basketball, Indianapolis Colts football, watching any football game on tv, watching his grandkids play sports, sweet tea, cherry pies, and fried egg sandwiches.

He embodied a strong work ethic, in his childhood he had a job, as the newspaper bicycle boy, and helping his father at the local service station. As an adult he enlisted in the armed forces to serve his country; Specialist E4 of the United States Army. He later worked offshore for the merchant marines. He attended Roane State Community College on his GI bill. He worked at EG and G Nuclear Instruments in Oak Ridge for all his working years. He prioritized finding joy in life and sharing it with others, the family asks that you do the same- go out and do something that brings you real joy and share it with those around you. He embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity that could be seen by anyone who was ever around him. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends, family, and even strangers he would meet along his path that needed a helping hand. He loved well and if you knew him, you knew it. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for all. He will be missed dearly.

He was a member of Big Emory Baptist Church and served many years as the benevolence committee director, Sunday school teacher, training union teacher, choir member, corral member, and faithful servant of Christ. He is known for being a co-founder of Harriman church league softball association and the founder, CEO, and President of the Emory River Rats Association.

He was a strong man and survived many obstacles throughout his life; Being raised by unaffectionate parents, loss of his wife, raising two girls, TVA ash slide survivor, motorcycle accident resulting in 11 broken bones, COPD, CHF, autoimmune lung disease (IPF), serving his country during the worst time of the Vietnam war, that combat time affected him greatly, he was the most humble and selfless person we have ever known. His love of God, family and country will live in our hearts forever.

In typical "Catfish" fashion; "Peace and love to all, forgive quickly, offer grace, tell (show) people about Jesus. I'm gonna ease on over to the biggest shade tree I can find, along the riverbank, sit back, drink my sweet tea, eat my cherry pie and talk to Jesus about why my VOLS lost this game to Arkansas. Greater later, see you soon, ditto." All my love, Catfish, Daddy, Papaw, and friend, signing off for the final time, 10/4 good buddy.....10/04/2024.

The family would like to thank Daddy's care team: Roane County VA Clinic, Donna Stanton, NP and Samer El-Chemeitelli, MD Pulmonologist. Daddy was so appreciative of your special care and compassion you offered to him.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to the Larry "Catfish" Lemons Harriman High School scholarship program, recognizing students who display humility, kindness, and strong commitment to helping others. (Regions bank)

Davis Funeral Home in Harriman is honored to serve the family of Larry "Catfish" James Lemons, during this time.