Lawrence Richard "Larry" File

Lawrence "Larry" Richard File, always known as "Larry," entered this world on July 10, 1943. His family and friends were heartbroken when his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, called him home on December 11, 2025.

Our sad hearts were also filled with deep thankfulness for this amazing man who had been our rock for so many years. The joy he brought to us on earth was surpassed only by the joy he brought to heaven, where he was reunited with his beloved parents, Doris & Edgar File; his older brother, Steve File, and his younger sister, Kathy File Shore.

"Legacy" is defined as a long-lasting impact, which perfectly describes Larry's life. He leaves a legacy of love, which included the Lord, faithfulness, laughter, wisdom, and his #1 focus in life: relationships. Anyone who has spent 2 minutes with Larry has heard him say, "Love is a relationship. God is love. The most important thing in life is your relationship with God."

Did we mention Larry's legacy of laughter? He taught us how to laugh with his deep humor and wisdom that put a different perspective on every situation. In recent days, laughter has been healing to all of his family and friends as we share stories and memories. We have learned that laughter is a gift from God, and we can't help but smile when thinking of Larry, even as we grieve.

Larry graduated from Fresno High School in 1961. His large group of friends from those days remained close in his heart his whole life. He attended Fresno State before joining his friend, Al Fortune, in a new hamburger business they named "Munchy's." It was a volume-based concept where hamburgers sold for 10 cents. They expanded to 18 stores throughout California, but the concept was doomed when they resisted making the necessary adjustments as the price of beef continued to rise.

It was during this time, in 1968, that he married his Bullard sweetheart, Sharon Shute. When their family began to grow, he knew he needed a "real job," (his father's words) so he joined his dad's insurance agency in 1973. Larry hadn't planned on becoming an insurance agent, but it turned out it was the perfect job for him. The flexibility allowed him to drive around the valley to visit his farmer clients. We think he might've even talked to them about insurance sometimes.

Soon after Larry & Sharon were married, their friend, Bert Perry, began talking to them about God. Bert talked endlessly about how we all need rescue from our sinful ways that take us away from knowing God, and that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to give us new lives to take us toward God. We could never be good enough for a perfect, Holy God, so accepting Jesus into our lives enabled us to have a relationship with the God who created us. Bert asked the question that changed our lives: "If there is one true God, would you want to know Him?" Well, of course, IF that were true…yes. Of course. Over the next few months, that one true God revealed Himself to us and our lives were forever changed.

Larry & Sharon loved living in the country with lots of animals and projects to keep them busy. His flexible insurance business allowed him time to repair roofs, fix or install the always-broken sprinklers, pick up feed & hay for the animals, build fences and animal pens, add on to our houses, install tile, take care of huge ponds and yards. Oh, and he never missed endless soccer games (as a coach or loud spectator), wrestling tournaments, basketball games, equestrian events, baseball games, water polo games-wherever his kids were, he was there.

In recent years, Larry's focus turned to his grandchildren, who brought him much joy. From phone calls to letters to FaceTime calls, Larry stayed in touch with his grandchildren. His greatest joy was when his family was together under one roof. His grandchildren grew to love and respect him deeply, and he never failed to make them laugh. He shared his wisdom and faith with the next generation, and they are so grateful for his love and influence in their lives.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Sharon; his 4 kids-Jason, Jaimi, Kerri & Corey; their spouses-Tania, Cameron, Doug & Ann; his 13 grandkids-Casey, Hannah, Avery, Logan, Kate, Morgan, Carter, Benett, Elijah, Lawrence, Delaney, Langston and Selah. He also got to meet his first great grandchild, Bo, when he was born last August.

In a testament to his deep influence on their lives, and the respect he left as part of his legacy, all four of Larry's children passed the name Lawrence on to one of their children.

Along with his immediate family, Larry is also survived by precious and deeply loved cousins, nieces & nephews, brother & sister-in-laws, and innumerable friends.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the time we had with Larry. We will all miss him tremendously, but we know where he is and he will live on in our hearts every day of our lives until we are with him again.