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LARRY PACKETT Obituary
LARRY FRENCH PACKETT (Age 69)
Returned to his heavenly home on Saturday, October 1, 2016, after bravely battling cancer. Larry was born in Richmond, VA to his parents, Mary Ellen and Arthur Packett. He received an Army Commendation Medal for his meritorious service in the Republic of Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. He received his J.D. from George Mason University School of Law with a Juris Doctorate in 1982. He married Gladys Packett in 1978. The Packetts moved to Arlington, VA, where Larry worked as a criminal defense attorney for over three decades. Larry is survived by his loving wife, Gladys; son, Jason; daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Raul Rodriguez; two grandchildren, Alex and Sofia Rodriguez and three siblings, Virginia Mae Barnes (John), Barbara Walker (William), John Packett (Shirley). His sister Frances Wright (Gregory) predeceased him. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., on Thursday, October 6, 2016, at Murphy Funeral Home in Arlington, VA. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016, at Arlington Temple United Methodist Church. Burial service, with full military honors, to follow at Columbia Gardens Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Larry's life. Online condolences may be shared at:murphyfuneralhomes.com
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Memories and Condolences
for LARRY PACKETT
Stephanie & Steve Reger
December 30, 2016
For Dearest Larry:
Steve and I just found out today of your passing. I know you were so adored by us and by so many. Steve has been deeply saddened today, and you two had deeply connected the past few years with your mutual Civil War interests. Words cannot adequately express our sorrow. We will reach out to Gladys very soon to express our condolences. You are among the angels now. You were always so energetic and kind and always had such a wonderful smile on your face! We will miss you and we love you! Stephanie & Steve Reger
Jimmy Coates
December 2, 2016
Dear Gladys and family. I have just learned of Larry's passing and can't express the sorrow I feel for you and your family members. Larry and I roomed together at Ferrum College and kept in touch though all these many years. He was one of the nicest individuals I have ever known. There will never be another Larry Packett.
Jimmy Coates.
Memories of Happy Times.
Gladys Packett
November 17, 2016
My dear Larry, oh how I miss you every minute of every day. Your untimely passing left a huge void in my life. I am thankful for all the memories of time we spent together; with the kids in early years and just the two of us in recent years. Being with you was always an adventure. I never knew where life would take us. You always knew just the right place to visit. Our walks in early hours or late evening by the sea were always my favorite and I know it was yours. You always took the time to stop and talk to people walking along the way. Oh, it was so easy for you to make friends and your curiosity always took us to new discoveries. I miss you so much, but I'm happy that you are pain free and I thank you, for loving me for thirty-eight years. Hope to see in our heavenly home when the Lord think is the right time, till then enjoy meeting new friends and visit with all the old friends & family who are already in heaven. Till we meet again I send all my love, Gladys
NAOMI ZEAVIN
October 13, 2016
dear Gladys and family . LARRY WAS A FABULOUS MAN.HIS KINDNESS AND GOODNESS SHOWN THROUGH HIS HUGE SMILE. Larry always made everyone feel happy. We met at the bus on a bus trip led by Ed Bearss and I WAS A LOST SOLE AND HE BEFRIENDED ME. ON THIS TRIP HE HAD HIS YOUNG SON TO TEACH HIM ABOUT HISTORY. HOW HE ADORED YOU GLADYS AND THE CHILREN AND THEY WILL ALL LIVE ON WITH HIS GOODNESS IN THEM.
LOVE AND HUGS
Deb Trumpeter
October 12, 2016
Gladys and Family my thoughts and prayer's are with you all at this time of grief and loss. Larry is free of pain, happy and finally at peace. He is your personal guardian angel now. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Mary Lou Holliday Stevenson
October 9, 2016
You were the best cousin anyone could have. I so enjoyed your clippings and notes.Had I not broken my ankle, I would have there to bid you farewell. Rest In Peace dear cousin. You will be missed. I will always be here for your loving family.
Carol Burrill
October 8, 2016
Dear Gladys, Jason, Jessica and family:
My heart aches with you and for you. Larry was such a dear friend to our family and such a kind soul. We have so many precious memories. He was a wonderful role model and Godfather to Brittany. Always a smile, always with words of encouragement and always spoke of others in complete kindness. A man who truly loved the Lord. We will miss him greatly. In the days ahead, may God hold you close and give you comfort and peace. Rest in peace my dear friend Larry. With much love.
Carolyn Otts
October 7, 2016
May God hold you close in the days to come as you remember all the glorious moments you had with Larry. Peace and God's grace on the Packett Family
October 6, 2016
My deepest sympathy, I remember Larry while growing up in Warsaw va.
October 6, 2016
My condolences to Gladys and the Packett family. I know Larry from church and was always touched by his kindness. He truly loved the Lord. Rest in peace, dear Larry.
Larry and Gladys at Rick and Eleanors Holiday Party December 20, 2015
Thomas Cooney
October 6, 2016
Never without a smile or concern for others in pain. Humorous even in the hospital. I smile when I think of him, see his photo or recall a joke he shared. Gladys his love for you and the family is as great as any husband/father ever. I will know I have lived the right life when my last day has come and I see him again. Hard for me to believe I am writing a eulogy for this good man.
Dorothy Plecenik
October 6, 2016
Gladys, so sorry to hear of your Loss. He was such a Caring and Joyful man. My sister, Donna, just passed away of Sept 20th and the 23rd would have been her 69th Birthday. If there is anything I can do for you, Please call me. Love yinz, Dorothy
October 6, 2016
Larry - "Cousin Larry" to us - was one of those extended relatives that always remembered the birthdays at our house, and the Holidays, and always made those "little" efforts that seemed so small at the time, but loom so very large now. Knowing that our sons were deeply interested in Civil War history, Cousin Larry regular sent newspaper clippings and memorabilia and things to our sons, Sean and Ian. Now that he is gone, I only can hope and pray that he knew during his life just how much his efforts and gestures were appreciated. Thank you, Larry, for your generosity and kindness to our family, for your proud service to our country, and for your love given to your family, near and far. May God Bless you on your journey home, and may he Bless and comfort Gladys and your children as they grapple with your loss. Dale Karraker and family, Lake Worth, Florida
Rhonda Lewis (Dawson)
October 6, 2016
Every thought and memory I have of Mr. Packett brings a smile to my face. Such a kind and funny gentleman. I first met Larry when our sons played Babe Ruth baseball oh so many years ago. He always had a friendly word, a smile and a story of some sort to share. I always admired his easy going demeanor. I'm sending my love, thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Packett, Jason, Jessica and family.
October 6, 2016
To the family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I knew Larry when he lived in Warsaw two houses from my Aunt Louise. I remember him as a friendly and jolly person. May he rest in peace and the angels watch over you.
Mary Lou Dawson
October 5, 2016
I only worked with Larry at tax time. He took care of Dr Mittlebeeler's affairs until his recent passing. Larry never seemed rushed, always had a kind word, didn't have an email account, and liked to settle things over the phone or by mail. I finally met him at Dr M's funeral. I had no idea Larry was sick. I will think kindly of you, his family, knowing so many more people than I know will also miss him greatly.
Kathy Bovello
Barbara "Mose" Walker
October 5, 2016
My memories of Larry cover a lot of time. He would light up a room when he entered it...that began a long time ago when his older sister was trying to court her boyfriend, Billy. They would go for a ride and there on the front seat between them stood this cute little boy with mouth going constantly; cow, dog, cat, horse, and on and on. Not much courting there. One other thing, he always sang from an early age and sang well. People around here have called and all remember his wonderful voice..then there was the time he, Joanna and Wade were jumping on the bed. Larry fell off, broke his arm, got the cast off, and promptly fell again and rebroke it. I will carry these memories as long as l live. Mose
October 5, 2016
Querida Gladicita y familia sentimos mucho el dolor de ustedes y estamos contigo compartiendo este sentimiento.
Our hearts are very sad. But angels in heaven are rejoicing,for they are taking our sweet Larry to his heavenly home. Larry was a Godly man full of faith and believed in God's promises till the end. Our consolation is that we have one more angel in heaven who will be looking upon us. Larry leaves us with endless beautiful, joyful and wonderful memories to last us a lifetime. We were blessed to know Larry and have him in our lives. He was a real gentleman, very sweet, always helpful, never selfish, always caring, honest and kind. He was a loving husband, an example of a father and a great friend. We will never forget Larry or his smile. Now with a broken heart we say not good bye but until we see you again. Meanwhile our prayer is:
"Give Larry O Lord an eternal rest and let the perpetual light shine upon him." Rest In Peace. Love you always, Mario, Marta, Marito, Marlon & Karina
Herman Sawyer
October 5, 2016
My condolences to the Packett family. Larry was a remarkably kind and gentle person. I will always remember his newspaper clippings, Civil War trivia and sense of humor. We had some really good times practicing law. Rest in peace my friend.
October 5, 2016
It was with great sadness that I learned of Larry's passing from our mutual cousin, Joanna Wallace. Although Larry and I did not have a great deal of contact, we shared a love of history especially Virginia and Civil War history. I also remember the summertime baseball in Warsaw, Va. I will miss you, Larry.
Keith Wayland, Richmond, Va.
Holly Mak
October 5, 2016
Gladys and family,
I am so deeply sorry. Kindness, devotion, enthusiasm, and love for family and friends are just some of Larry's beautiful qualities that come to mind. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Trish Lang
October 4, 2016
Gladys and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was a wonderful man, a man of God. He was truly a gift. We were all blessed to have known him.
May knowing that Larry is safe in the arms of our Lord bring you peace. You are all in my prayers.
Eduardo Carrillo
October 4, 2016
Gladys, mi mas sentido pesame. La familia Carrillo esta contigo en estos momentos. Orando por usted y su familia. Eduardo Carrillo Jr., Eduardo Carrillo Sr. y Betty Carrillo.
david field
October 4, 2016
I had many cases with Larry over the years; he was always a gentleman and a fierce advocate for his clients. So sorry to hear of his passing.
John Packett
October 4, 2016
Larry, you were the best little brother anyone could ask for. I will always cherish our ball games in the backyard growing up and I recall that you always held your own in our tussles!! It was always fun to have you on a road trip to games with me and share our love of sports. Spending time with you at the house at Ebb Tide was a wonderful experience, especially all the food we used to eat!!! You left us much too soon and we will miss your infectious smile and gift of gab on any topic. Farewell little brother and may you celebrate with all your relatives and friends in heaven until we meet again one day.
Alberta White
October 4, 2016
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Marion Gearhart
October 4, 2016
Rest in peace Larry. I'll miss your visits to PA.
Deepest sympathy to your family and your many friends.
Anthony Hines, I
October 4, 2016
To the Packett Family:
I have known no finer human being than the late Larry French Packett. I met him when I first became employed with Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and I observed a true legal scholar, whose legal acumen was evident in his counsel to his clients. Larry always gave a 100% defense to clients regardless of their financial ability.
He was a great listener and shared my enthusiasm for Civil War history and battleground sites.
I will remember him always as the devoted Virginian of highest caliber that he lived in this lifetime.
Rick Coffin
October 4, 2016
Our lives were enriched by Larry's presence. He helped many, and hurt no one. He was a loving husband, and a great father as well as grandfather. He was the best friend anyone could have!
Rick Coffin
Eleanor Collyer
Ronald Willard
October 4, 2016
Our sympathy to Larry's family and friends. Larry always had a positive attitude and served Arlington Temple, Arlington County and our country with distinction.( Members of Arlington Temple UMC 1980-1993 ) Sincerely, Joan & Ron Willard
Christian N.
October 4, 2016
May the hope of seeing your dear loved one again in paradise ease the sorrow of your hearts.
October 4, 2016
I am very saddened to learn of the death of Larry. I have seen and known larry for many years in arlington and fairfax. He was a kind person with a smile on his face and love in his heart for his fellow man. I never heard him utter an unkind word about anyone or anything. My condolences to his family over this loss. Although he was not with us as long as we had wished he made a positive impact on everyone who came in contact with him. he will be missed dickson young
Nancy Martino
October 4, 2016
So very sorry for your loss. You were such a friend to our family. Rest in peace
Paul Mickelsen
October 4, 2016
Larry was always a welcome face to see in the halls of the Courthouse. He was a true gentleman and always had a smile on his face. I remember him as a kind and good man. We attended a Continuing Legal Education course several years ago and I was left without a ride home. He graciously offered and went out of his way to take me home - something I will never forget. We will miss you Larry!
Elizabeth Tuomey
October 4, 2016
I worked in the same building as Larry across from the Courthouse. He was always so friendly and kind. I saw him working on weekends too, helping his clients at all hours of the day. You could tell he just loved helping his clients. He will be greatly missed.
Hilary Donovan
October 4, 2016
It was great to have Larry as a fellow church member and a reader of scripture. I'm the coordinator for the scripture readers, and Larry was a faithful and enthusiastic reader. He took a lot of pride in his reading and enjoyed giving a short commentary on what he was about to read. I always enjoyed meeting him at the parsonage when we'd get together to enjoy fellowship. He was a very friendly, warm person. His voice was so often heard at prayer request time--he would ask for prayer for his loved ones and friends. You could tell he really cared about a lot of people. I know he is enjoying heavenly peace and joy now and for this I am so glad. I hope that realizing Larry is happy, at peace, and free from pain will be a comfort to you, Gladys, and the family as you adjust to the loss of him. My sincere condolences.
Jessica Rodriguez
October 4, 2016
Dear Dad,
You are my hero. I have looked to you my whole life for guidance. You have taught me to place God and family above all else. You have also taught me the importance of cherishing every moment and helping others without seeking anything in return. You are a good man who lived life well. Your impact on the world has been great.
You are forever in my heart.
Your loving daughter always,
Jessica
Jessica Rodriguez
October 4, 2016
Dear Dad,
You are my hero. I have looked to you my whole life for guidance. You have taught me to place God and family above all else. You have also taught me the importance of cherishing every moment and helping others without seeking anything in return. You are a good man who lived life well. Your impact on the world has been great.
You are forever in my heart.
Your loving daughter always,
Jessica
Jessica Rodriguez
October 4, 2016
We love you Dad. RIP.
Jessica Rodriguez
October 4, 2016
Dear Dad,
You have been and will always be my hero. You have taught me to put God and family above all else. You have also taught me the importance of cherishing every moment and always being kind to others without seeking anything in return. You have lived well and your impact on the world has been great.
I love you and miss you. You are forever in my heart.
Your loving daughter, Jessica
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