Larry Runnels
April 9, 1938 — October 7, 2012
Biography
Larry J. Runnels, 74, passed away peacefully on October 7 at his home in Havana, Florida. Larry was born April 9, 1938 in LaGrange, Georgia to Aaron R. and Annie R. Runnels.
Larry attended La Grange High School and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an Airman stationed in Paris, France.
Following an honorable discharge in 1959, Larry met and married the love of his life, Patricia Dorothy Maloy on December 20, 1962 and had two children.
Larry began his industrial management career in Forest Park, Georgia and was employed with Atlanta Wire for 17 years. As his career progressed, Larry accepted a plant management position with Niagara Lockport Industries (Quincy, FL) and moved his family to Tallahassee in 1976. After 10 years at Niagara, Larry completed his career as a General Manager with Albany International in Weaverville, North Carolina. Larry and Pat retired in 1999 and moved home to Havana, Florida to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Larry enjoyed war history, outdoors, the Seminoles and travel. His most memorable trips were visiting the Panama Canal and Alaska. He was a true patriot and loved his country immensely. He never hesitated to share an Air Force story, political opinion or just any story with anyone willing to listen. Larry enjoyed his retirement watching the deer and other wildlife in his backyard. He loved and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandson, however his greatest pride and joy was his wife of 49 years, Patricia. He affectionately referred to her as his "Sweet Thing". Patricia was his whole world and every chance he got made sure that he she knew how much he adored her.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, son, Ronnie Runnels (Roxanne), daughter Laura Pridgeon, grandson, Andrew Baxley, granddaughter Renee Dawkins, brothers, Randy (wife Marie), Mike (wife Vija), sisters, Nancy (husband Charles), Elizabeth, Nancy (husband Michael), niece Christa Flint (husband Sean), niece, Rene Reeves (husband Kevin) , sister-in-law Pamela Henry, nephew, Tyler Maloy, great nephews, Brandon Flint and Dylan Powell, great niece, Hannah Reeves.
He is predeceased by granddaughter, Marie Runnels and brother in law, Ricky Maloy.
A celebration of life will be held lakeside at Lake Tallavana Community, Havana, Florida on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 2:30pm. Faith Funeral Home in Havana, Florida is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308 (www.covenanthospice.org) or St. Francis Wildlife Association, Post Office Box 38160, Tallahassee, Florida 32315 (www.stfranciswildlife.org).
The family would like to extend a thank you to staff of Covenant Hospice and the residents of Lake Tallavana Community for all your support. A special thank you to Cheryl Roberts for her never ending energy, compassion, and support during this difficult time.