Larry James Sullivan

A golden heart stopped beating, and shining eyes have closed.

Larry James Sullivan, born on April 6, 1951, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born to the late James and Mable Sullivan, Larry lived a life defined by faith, hard work, service, and an open heart for others.

Larry shared 22 loving years of marriage with his wife, Catherine, who faithfully stood by his side through every season of life. Larry especially enjoyed playing golf and spending time at "the sale" at Grady's Auction and Hood's Auction, where he loved visiting with friends, telling stories, and finding a good deal.

A man of deep faith, Larry loved the Lord and faithfully attended Mount Olive First Pentecostal Holiness Church. You never had to wonder where Larry was sitting-he was always quick to shout a heartfelt "Amen" during service. Larry was dearly loved by his church family and by the many children of MOFPHC who looked to him as a Papa. They were too numerous to name, and he cherished each of them deeply.

Larry spent his career as a dedicated truck driver. In his later years, he proudly worked for Barnhill Contracting Company until his retirement in 2023. Prior to that, he drove a gas truck for D.M. Price and Sons. Larry also served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Pleasant Grove Volunteer Fire Department, always ready to help whenever he was needed.

After retirement, Larry enjoyed playing golf with his golfing buddies whenever he felt up to it, valuing the fellowship as much as the game.

Larry was a Papa in every sense of the word-not just to his family, but to anyone who needed one. His kindness, encouragement, and steady presence reached far beyond bloodlines.

He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine; his special dog companion, Jack, who was rarely far from his side; his sisters, Linda Sullivan (David), Sue Rogers (Joe), and Nancy Pittman (Odell); his daughter, Wendy; and his stepchildren, Clifton Hill Jr. (Jennifer), Crystal Pittman (Scotty), and Catrina Kennedy (Kellon), whom Larry proudly loved as if she were his own daughter.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kristian "Cricket" Whitfield (Kain), Jessica Whitfield, Amber Whitfield, William Whitfield Jr., Dylan "DJ" Whitfield, Jamie Tucker (Anthony), Elizabeth Mercer, Sage Mercer, Harley Gipson (Dwight), Davidson Hill, Haley Jacobs (Peyton), Gavin Pittman (Kayla), Nathan Pittman, and Avery Kennedy.

Larry leaves behind a large and cherished group of great-grandchildren: Kinslee Hill, Aaron Gipson, Kameron Gipson, Andrew Gipson, Johnathan Bartlett, Alison McCloud, Jocelyn McCloud, Blake McCloud, Daisy Whitfield, Noah Whitfield, Nathan Whitfield, Melody Whitfield, Gracie Tucker, Hunter Tucker, Caleb Tucker, and Connor Tucker.

Because Larry was a Papa to anyone who needed one, he also leaves behind honorary children David and Christine Bradley, Mikiaya, Jazzmin, and Olivia.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Leslie Bradley, and his granddaughter, Lily Kate Kennedy.

Larry will be deeply missed by his big family, his church family, and the many friends whose lives were touched by his faith, generosity, and unwavering love.

Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Pink Hill Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Pink Hill Funeral Home with burial following at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.