Larry Stephens

Larry Stephens, age 73, of Sewanee, died on June 20, 2025, surrounded by family and close friends, after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Clara Taylor Stephens, his son Billy Stephens (Megan), his grandsons Sebastian Stephens and Westley Stephens, and his siblings Darlene Stephens Frame (Ricky), Susie Stephens McClure, Tina Stephens, Danny Stephens, and J.D. Stephens. He is predeceased by his parents Jean Sims Stephens and James Stephens, his daughter Angela Stephens, his sister Libby Stephens Gilliam and his brother Terry Stephens. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who felt like family.
Larry was born on November 10, 1951, and grew up in the Sewanee and Alto communities. As the oldest child in a large family, Larry quickly learned the necessity of working diligently and assuming responsibility. From those formative years, Larry embraced hard work and thrived on it. He also acquired hunting, fishing and camping skills.
While attending Jump Off Baptist Church with his Granny Stephens, he had the good fortune to meet Clara Taylor, and they married in 1972. Larry built their home on Taylor Road with scant help from a few subcontractors, and there he and Clara raised their children Billy and Angie. Larry put in a fine garden every year and was loathe to pick his vegetables until they had grown quite large, having learned the lesson early that large vegetables are better for feeding a big family. He shared the produce of his garden generously, often stunning the recipients with the proportions of his vegetables. Larry also raised cattle and pigs.
Larry worked for the Tennessee Forest Service, and in that capacity had the opportunity to volunteer to fight forest fires in the western United States. As in so many things, he jumped at the opportunity to be of help and to find adventure. Larry's strong work ethic also led him to find work doing a wide variety of things, including cutting trees, providing firewood, plumbing, electrical work, car repair, and eliminating pests, usually to the relief of those in need and lacking his uncanny ability to do all sorts of useful things. According to Clara, Larry was not afraid of anything and thought he could do everything. Larry was quick to lend a hand to help. "His favorite thing to do was to help others," said Clara, "and to know that others were pleased with his work."
Larry had friends of all ages and from all walks of life. A lifelong Baptist, he was a member of City Life Church of Monteagle. He was a member of the Green Ribbon Society at the University of the South. Larry mentored young people willing to learn his skills. Larry delighted in filling a trailer with hay and pulling happy riders on memorable hayrides. He and Clara enjoyed travel on cruise ships and to Florida to visit friends.
In whatever way one was touched by Larry, an added bonus always included hearing his fantastic stories. In a rural culture steeped in storytelling, Larry excelled. A key feature was always that he was speaking from first hand experience. He was the hunter who jumped into the cold creek onto the deer he had wounded, riding him through the water like a bucking
bronco, armed only with his knife, trying to honor the hunter's obligation to finish the kill. He was the one who entered the cage to wrestle a bear so that he and his young bride could get into the carnival free. He was the one who spotted the beautiful white creature in the corn field, captured it by throwing his coat over it, and then took a peek at his albino treasure, only to discover that it was a pole cat (skunk to lowlanders), thereby entering the ranks of sprayed outcasts.
With the passing of Larry, the world, especially Sewanee, has lost some color and spice. We are left with the example of a hardworking, fearless man, loving husband and father, loyal friend to so many, and helper to all. A celebration of Larry's life will be held in the fall, with details to be announced at a later date.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.