Larry Darnell McKelvy

Larry as a Son, Brother, Husband, Father, and PawPaw

Larry the Son, Larry was the second oldest of twelve children, yet the eldest of the six boys — a role he embraced with pride, responsibility, and just enough stubbornness to keep Granny on her toes. Though hardheaded (her words, not ours), he was dependable and fiercely protective of the family he lovingly referred to as “the clan.” Larry the Brother, Quiet, soft-spoken, and observant, Larry was the brother who noticed everything and judged no one. He was knowledgeable, handy enough to fix almost anything, and always willing to help. His actions spoke louder than any words ever could. Larry the Husband, In the beginning, Larry made life fun. He taught his wife how to shoot pool, and nearly every weekend their backyard turned into a gathering that somehow — without fail — became a full house party. Though they eventually separated, they remained friends and genuinely enjoyed each other’s conversations. Their bond didn’t break; it simply changed shape. Larry the Father & Father-in-Law, From Amber: “We had contests requiring lots of ‘air pressure’ and ‘heat,’ and it drove my mom crazy. We shared so much laughter and created so many memories. Our relationship grew stronger through the bond only a father and daughter can share.” From Dibiashi: “He accepted me choosing his daughter as my better half. He blessed me to take care of his baby girl and treated me as one of his own.” Larry loved deeply, laughed loudly, and supported his children in his own unforgettable ways — especially through the kind of ‘contests’ that probably needed safety goggles. Larry the PawPaw, From Ashian: “PawPaw was uplifting, strong, and caring. He was there for me every step of the way.” From Javien: “PawPaw was the coolest grandpa a man can have — funny, loving, straight forward, fun to be around, and the maker of the best bologna sandwiches and orange Kool-Aid.” To his grandchildren, he was a guide, a comedian, a comfort, and pure joy. They adored him, and he adored them right back. Larry was married to his PYT, Kim McKelvy. Together they birthed an amazing — yet crazy — daughter (in the words of Larry himself), Amber McKelvy-Ray (Dibiashi) of Houston, TX. With Amber and Dibiashi’s love, they blessed Larry with two handsome and extremely energetic grandsons, Javien and Ashian Ray, who kept him on his toes and constantly on the go. He absolutely cherished every moment with them. Those boys were his heart, his joy, and the spark that kept him moving. Larry, you are loved and will remain in our hearts forever! Until we meet again.

Larry was a farmer for many years before he reluctantly transitioned into what he jokingly called a “houseman.” He enjoyed time with friends, tending to his garden, and listening to music — often strumming a mean three-note guitar like he was headlining his own private concert.

Larry was a man of many, MANY talents. He proudly invented the legendary “Bass Drum Fan,” which blew air as cool as arctic wind, and crafted his own scarecrow using only the finest materials: an old lampshade, a fence post, a white plastic bag, a metal pole, and a spray-painted face that was equal parts scary and friendly — the perfect bird deterrent. Pure genius.

Larry was, without question, the King of Rigging. If something needed to work, he made it work — even if no one else could explain how. His creations were iconic, effective, and absolutely unforgettable.

He is truly loved and will undoubtedly be missed… along with every brilliantly rigged masterpiece he left behind.

Larry leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Amber (Dibiashi) Ray of Houston, TX; two grandsons, Javien and Ashian Ray of Houston, TX; and his siblings: Wanda (Perry) Hancox of The Colony, TX, Bertha (Alan) Taylor of Lewisville, TX, Sharon (Roy, deceased) Jackson of Plainview, TX, Darlene McKelvy of Lewisville, TX, Donny McKelvy of Plainview, TX, Richard (Barbara) McKelvy of Plainview, TX, Kenneth McKelvy of Kress, TX, Frank McKelvy of Kress, TX, Angela Shaffer of Lubbock, TX, Rhonda Brown of Lewisville, TX, Scott McKelvy of Lubbock, TX.

He also leaves behind a bonus sister, Retisha (Amanda) Warr of Troy, AL; one aunt, Sharon (Joe, deceased) of Odessa, TX; and a host of nieces and nephews whom he adored dearly.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Jonell McKelvy-Brannon; his father, Don C. McKelvy; six uncles — Ernest, Charles, Jerry, Tommie Lee, Richard, and Ronny Wilson; one aunt, Billie Simmons; two nieces, LeAndra Kay Jackson and Crystal McKelvy; and one great-niece, Samara Korynne Jackson.

A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Kornerstone Funeral Directors in Plainview, Texas. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview.