Larry Gwynn Pardue

Larry Gwynn Pardue, 80, of Scottsville, KY, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Medical Center in Bowling Green, KY. He was born in Glasgow, KY, to the late Samuel Robert Pardue and Etta Bell Napier Pardue. A lifelong advocate for horticulture and conservation, Larry was a respected botanical administrator and educator known for his efforts to advance public understanding of native plants and environmental stewardship. His career was marked by a passion for education, innovative non-profit leadership, and a deep commitment to the institutions he served. Larry earned a Bachelor of Arts in Botany from the University of South Florida in 1967 and a Master of Arts in Horticulture in 1970. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in horticultural education, nonprofit management, and botanical garden administration. He held executive leadership roles at several renowned institutions, including the New York Horticultural Society (NYC, NY), Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Sarasota, FL), and the Crosby Arboretum (Picayune, MS). As Executive Director of the New York Horticultural Society, Larry was instrumental in reviving the historic New York Flower Show in 1985 and directed its operation through 1988. Under his guidance, the Flower Show reclaimed its status as a hallmark of New York City's Spring season, featuring vibrant floral displays, competitions, and educational programming that brought together professionals and enthusiasts alike. Larry's professional affiliations reflected his enduring commitment to horticulture and conservation. He was a member of the New York Horticultural Society, the New York Botanical Garden, Conservation International, the American Public Gardens Association, the Wildflower Preservation Society, the Allen County Cattlemen's Association, the Allen County Beekeepers Association and Union Chapel Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Kathy Pardue, Scottsville, KY; 4 sons: James Garland Pardue and wife, Amy of Golden, CO; Robert Shipley Pardue and wife, Sonya of Wagoner, OK; Mathew Russell Pardue of Ferrisburgh, VT and Adam Cole Willingham of Scottsville, KY; 1 daughter: Katelynn Michelle Baker and husband, Robbie of Willisburg, KY; 2 brothers: Phillip Pardue and wife, Corlas of St. Cloud, FL and Robbie Steven Pardue and wife, Sandra of Iwakuni, Japan; 1 sister: Rita Novack of GA; 7 grandchildren: Kayla, Elijah, Lillia and Aiden Pardue; Elizabeth Montalbo (Nathaniel), Roe and Emmaline Baker; 2 great grandchildren: Grayson and Paxton Montalbo. Cremation was chosen and Goad Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Laura Turner Chapel in Crescent Hill Cemetery.
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