Larry Gene Ventress, age 77, of Fayetteville, TN, passed into the arms of the Lord on September 23, 2026, at Lynchburg Nursing Center in Lynchburg, TN.
Larry was born on March 30, 1949, to the late Cullum and Stella Pigg Ventress and grew up in Kelso, TN. A 1967 graduate of Central High School, Larry received his degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Larry was a genuine “people person” who excelled at all his employment opportunities including the State of Tennessee, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU), retiring from FPU after 30 years. He spent 51 years married to the love of his life, Sharon Taylor Ventress. He was a Christian and a member of the Fayetteville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Larry “Doo Daa” loved talking and telling stories with friends, fishing, classic cars, washing cars, and most of all, music. He thoroughly enjoyed his time as a roadie for Four on the Floor, as well as supporting the Fabulous Fifties Show.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Katherine (Vernon) Spurlock; brother, Paul Ventress; and a sister-in-law, Karen Jenson.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Ventress; brother, Joe (Dayphine) Ventress; brother-in-law, Ray (Carmen) Taylor; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as a host of friends, whom he loved dearly.
Visitation will be from 5 PM until 8 PM on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to The Fabulous Fifties Foundation, P.O. Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334; the Fayetteville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1015 Lewisburg Highway, Fayetteville, TN 37334; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
Higgins Funeral Home is privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Larry Gene Ventress.
Larry and I met on the first day of school in the first grade at Kelso. We grew up together, and we were best friends for the next eight years or so. If you saw one of us, the other wasn’t very far away. Even though we drifted in different directions after that, I always considered Doo Daa my best friend. There’s a huge hole in my heart where he used to be.
Mr. Larry was a very nice gentleman who will be missed by many. Prayers to all of his family and friends.
It was a joy working with Larry at FES (now FPU). I offer my sincere condolences to Larry’s family and friends. 2 Corinthians 5:8
Sharon I am so sorry for your loss! Larry was one of the good guys! My prayers are with you and the family!
A great guy and friend. Always will remember doo daa
Larry was a great guy, and a pleasure to talk to. I have many fond memories, one being Larry and Dwight, front row at a personal property auction-priceless. Another being his love for his Chevy Luv that Jeff Echols and I sold him 40 yrs ago. My condolences to the family. I know he will be greatly missed.
Always loved being around Larry. He was a wonderful friend and always had a smile on his face. We had some great times on the trips we took together. Rest in peace. See you soon.
Sharon l. am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Swede had a wonderful sense of humor and always a smile. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Larry was a wonderful person and friend. He was always so nice to people when he worked for FPU. He has been missed since his retirement but, will be more missed now. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharron and his entire family. Rest in Peace Larry!
Larry was a true gentleman and a dear friend to so many! He will be greatly missed by so many. Prayers for comfort and peace for Sharon
When Larry was really young, he worked with my mother at Serbin. She called him Doo Daa and thought so much of him. Then, he started reading meters, and she would catch him in her back yard and have to go out and talk to him. Larry was my husband, Randy Smith’s, stepbrother at one time; his mother was married to Larry’s Dad. Randy is like me; he is sorry to hear of his passing.
Prayers are going up for the family.
Sharon, so sorry to hear about Larry’s passing. Enjoyed seeing both of you recently. God bless, Janice & Brent Gregory
Sharon, Bruce and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of Larry. We will always cherish the wonderful memories of him in church, our Sunday School class, choir and the list goes. Much love and prayers to you.
I’ve known Larry since he was a small child. He’s always had a caring heart and love for others. May he rest in the comforting arms of the Lord. My sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
So sorry to hear about Mr. Ventress’ passing! He worked with my father (Mike McFerrin) at FPU. When my dad passed suddenly in 1987, Mr. Ventress wrote the most beautiful article in the NRECA Tennessee Magazine. My dad thought a lot of him. They enjoyed lots of laughs and music was a passion they had in common. Heaven is rejoicing!
Dear Sharon; I am very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I probably won’t be able to attend his service as I am in stage four of brain cancer and have heart trouble, I truly liked Doo Daa. He was always enjoyable to be around. He did a lot of good things during his lifetime.
I am so very sorry for your loss! You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. One day at a time, Sharon.
Always fond memories of Larry from high school, to TVA, to FPU, but most of all of the fun time as a couple of Spanish brothers. He always brought light and laughter to wherever he was
Our prayers and hearts are with you.
Bubba and Nancy
Ms Sharon and Family,
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Larry was such a great man and a dear friend to all that knew him. He will truly be missed.
Larry was my best friend in high school.
Larry was more than my next door neighbor but he was also a big brother to me when I needed to vent some of my problems. He was like a son to my dad. I could not have had a better neighbor than Larry. Definitely God’s gift to us. He will be missed.
Sharon,
We are so deeply saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. We have such fond memories of the both of you during our pastorate there. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Larry was a special friend to so many. He will be sorely missed.
Much love and hugs to you.
Richard and Marcia Hughes
Sharon, I am so sorry to read this. This is truly a difficult time for you and the famiily. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon and family,
this is so heartbreaking on the passing of “Sweed”, as Joe called Larry. Larry will definitely be missed by all his family and friends. Such a great Christian man and willing to help in all he could do. When Larry attended our Sunday School class, he would serve as our Sunday School teacher, with others.
May God hold you, the family in his loving and caring arms, during this time and the days ahead.
Love, Joe and DeLois Thompson
Sorry to hear about the passing of Larry. I met
Him many years ago and we became friends.
Prayers for the family.
Sharon, we send our sympathy to you. Larry was such a nice man to everyone. You will be in our prayers.