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.
5 Comments To "Larry Gene Ventress"
#1 Comment By Brenda & Gary Badenhop On September 24, 2026 @ 3:23 pm
Sharon, we send our sympathy to you. Larry was such a nice man to everyone. You will be in our prayers.
#2 Comment By Bobby Sharp On September 24, 2026 @ 3:30 pm
Sorry to hear about the passing of Larry. I met
Him many years ago and we became friends.
Prayers for the family.
#3 Comment By DeLois Thompson On September 24, 2026 @ 3:33 pm
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
#4 Comment By Celia H. Mance On September 24, 2026 @ 3:43 pm
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.
#5 Comment By Richard Hughes On September 24, 2026 @ 4:37 pm
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