Billy Ray Larkins

   These past days we have celebrated the life of Dad through a million memories.  His life was full of endless love and laughter for family and friends.
   Blessed 65 years with the love of his life, Mary Lou Spann Larkins, their boundless love for each other continues now in Heaven.
Dad's life was full of family and friends.  Always carrying a welcoming smile, he was a giant of laughter and love, a bit of a prankster and a whole lot of fun.  Dad's role in life as Christian, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle and friend were his treasures and he cultivated each with love and laughter.
   After service to his country, Dad fulfilled his calling as a Medical Technologist for Community Methodist Hospital, Evansville Vanderburg Health Dept. and Evansville Blood Bank.  Dad also served as Scoutmaster in the Buffalo Trace Council, finding happiness in teaching, and guiding young adults.  The pride he had in his achievements was secondary to the joy he found in those that he worked with, served with, and those that he was able to lend a helping hand.
   As we sit and talk about Dad's life and look through decades of pictures, our family extends the greatest appreciation for the incalculable numbers of people and stories that tell the story of Dad's life, a full life well lived.
   Dad was ready for his journey out of this life; he was ready to be with Momma again.  Dad's wishes were to have a peaceful graveside service following cremation, with his family around him.  So, we will journey together to take him to his final rest in Mt. Lebanon, Tennessee, knowing his soul is with us and, having completed his journey here, he is now with Momma.
   We are forever bound by his life spent instilling the love of family and friends, and the importance to pass that love on to the next generations.  We struggle for the perfect tribute to Dad and his life lived for others.  As with Mom's tribute, perhaps our Brother has put it best, "It seems little, but all we can say is thank you and we love you Dad."