I've started and stopped this post so many times, realizing that publishing this post on our blog will make it even more truer than it already is and not quite able to find the right words for the enormity of our loss.
On Sunday, April 24, 2011, Larry's dad, Larry Ellis Cothren, Jr., passed away from an apparent heart attack. He was 47 and had so much more life to live. We had no warning and no reason to believe that when we saw him on Thursday, April 21, 2011 alive and well, that we would be seeing him for the last time. His life was taken from us instantly and our lives will never be the same.
Larry, Jr. will be missed by so many people. He was a great son, father, brother and grandfather. He took pride in his kids and grandkids. And my heart aches for the two boys that will never know how much their grandfather adored them. We are blessed that we moved back to Huntsville a year ago, allowing a stronger relationship to be built between Alex and Larry, Jr. We are even happier that while God took him from us way too soon, he was able to meet, hold and love on his newest grandson!
I have watched my husband for two weeks try to come to terms with all of this and I know that he never will - there will always be questions that he will never have answers to. I have watched him in awe as he spoke at the funeral, never more honored and proud to be by his side. I have seen him hold his boys a little tighter these past few weeks and have felt an indescribable amount of love for him. I wish that I could take him pain away from him. He is walking down a road that is both familiar and scary for us. Unlike most, we know the grief and pain that is in front of us and it is not an easy thing to face.
Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
We love you Dad and Grandpa! You will forever live on in our hearts and memories!
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Below is the obituary posted on both the funeral home website and the Huntsville Times.
Larry Ellis Cothren, Jr. age 47, of Lacey Springs, passed away on Sunday April 24, 2011 at his residence.
Funeral services will be on Thursday April 28, 2011 at 1 pm in the chapel of Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville with burial to follow in Huntsville Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday April 27, 2011 from 5 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home.
Mr. Cothren is survived by his children, Larry Cothren, III and wife Sarah of Owens Cross Roads, and Claudia Cothren of Pennsylvania; his parents, Larry Cothren, Sr. and wife Jean of Huntsville, and Wanda Kyzer and husband Bill of Lewisburg, TN; his brother, Kevin Cothren of Valhermosa Springs; his sister, Kim Ethridge and husband Robert of Lewisburg, TN; his grandsons, Alexander and Jaxson Cothren; his nephews, Cody and Evan Ethridge; and his special friend, Teresa Church of Lewisburg, TN.
Larry grew up in Lacey Springs and graduated high school from Brewer in 1982. After high school, he joined the Air Force where he spent over 20 years until he retired. While in the Air Force, he spent time in New Mexico, Korea, Alabama, and Florida. After retiring from the Air Force Larry moved back home to Alabama to be closer to his family. He enjoyed spending time with all of his family whether it was wood working with his Dad, visiting his Mom and sister in Tennessee, canoeing with his brother, spending time with his son and daughter, or spoiling his grandkids. Larry was an avid NASCAR and Alabama Football fan. He never missed a race or game, either in the stands cheering, or watching on TV. Larry was a loving son, father, brother, and grandfather.
Larry will be missed. We Love you.
Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville is assisting the family
