From a very young age, Larry grew up working on a farm in Lincoln County which developed his love for agriculture and row crop farming. He was a 1980 graduate of Star City High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he obtained a degree in Agriculture Business. Larry began his work career shortly after graduation at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Rohwer Research Station in Rohwer, AR. He later attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and earned a master's degree in Agronomy. He was then promoted to Director of the UADA Rohwer Research Station where he would spend the next 39 years there as a Weed Scientist and Director. He was a member of the Research Center Administrators Society (RCAS) and served on the National Sorghum Producers Board for several years.
He was an avid outdoorsman where he loved hunting, fishing, gardening, camping, playing golf, softball, woodworking, as well as singing and playing the guitar. However, his greatest love was spending time with his nine grandchildren and his family. Larry is a member of First Baptist Church of Monticello and was a past member of Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church of Star City for many years.
Larry is preceded in death by his father, Gene Earnest; his paternal grandparents, Thomas McRae Earnest and Agnes Irene Hutcheson Earnest; his maternal grandparents, Adam Bradley Howard and Marie Turner Howard; a niece, Eleana Jane Earnest; nine uncles and eight aunts.
He is survived by his mother, Mae Bell Howard Earnest of Star City; his wife, Lauri Leigh Hollinger Earnest of Monticello; a son, Jarrod Earnest; a daughter, Jordyn Earnest Hastings (Stanley) of Little Rock; a son, Ryan Sawyer (Kuo) of Dallas, TX; a daughter, Kristen Harvey (Alex) of Monticello; two sisters, Terry Gale Gates of North Little Rock and Susan West (Wayne) of Star City; three brothers, Carl Earnest (Gail), Orville Lee Earnest and Donald Wayne Earnest all of Star City; uncle, Paul Howard (Bertha) of Pine Bluff; aunt, Barbara Pennington (James) of Rison; nine grandchildren, Annalise, Easton and Laney Jo Earnest, Patrick, Margo and Oliver Hastings, Quinn Sawyer, Hudson and Hadleigh Harvey; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Star City, AR with Rev. Cody Andrews and Rev. Kelly Jones officiating. Burial will be in Holly Springs Cemetery. There will be a visitation Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Monticello or Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church. You can sign Larry's guestbook registry on this page.
Condolences(17)
NORA PACHECO
Warren, AR Tuesday, March 26, 2024 So sorry to hear about your husband, Lauri. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.Gerald and Kathie Reid
Wooster, OH Thursday, March 21, 2024 The World has lost a great man! We enjoyed meeting and building a friendship with both Larry and Lauri through RCAS and will miss that friendship. I will be eternally grateful to Larry for nominating me to serve as an officer with RCAS. The family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all through this time of mourning.Billy E Herrington
Maumelle, AR Thursday, March 21, 2024 I met Larry many years ago when I worked at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Monticello. I have not seen him in years. But I remember him. He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I am stunned to hear of his passing at the age of 62 and I send my condolences to all of the people close to him.Donald Plunkett
Grapevine, AR Thursday, March 21, 2024 I was shocked to see Larry has passed from this life. Having been a deacon at Holly Springs alongside Larry and others I knew his heart for Jesus Christ. As a county Extension agent I often had the opportunity to go to SEBES/Rohwer Experiment Station and interacted with Larry there. His attitude, demeanor and character were shown to any he met by that great big smile I always associate with him. To his family I say I’m sorry for his passing but know where we will find him again someday. God bless you as you celebrate his life and times of softball, singing and Christian work.Phil Tacker
Vilonia, AR Thursday, March 21, 2024 Sad to hear of Larry's passing. He was a great guy to work with during my time with the Extension Service and always very supportive. It is a sad time and loss for Larry's family and friends but we can take comfort in knowing he is with The Lord!David Howard
White Hall, AR Thursday, March 21, 2024 Prayers for the familyLaci Harris
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Mrs. Laurie, Kristen and Family,I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Larry was such a great guy. Sending you all many prayers during this difficult time.
Laci, Crayton, Parker & Rhett Harris
Marshall Blasengame
Star City, AR Wednesday, March 20, 2024 I played many a softball games against Larry years ago, Prayers for his family and friends !Joann McGee
Star City, AR Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Larry, was a special guy would do anything to help you. Our family has great memories of him and we are going to miss him. Prayers for his family that God will bless and comfort each one as only he can.Rita Pitts
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, March 20, 2024 So very hard to find the right words. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May his memories leave your heart with a warm happy smile.My love is with all the family.
Ricky Pevey
Lead Hill, AR Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Sorry the lose of Larry always always a smile and friendly word. Prayers for comfort for family and know Larry’s fight here on earth is over but his heavenly life beginsRandy and Bonnie Sanders
Tillar, AR Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Randy and I are praying for you and your family. We want be able to be with you all . May God give you strength and hold you closeLove you.
David Lunsford/Margarette
Calico Rock, AR Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Our hearts are heavy for Larry's big family. Aunt Mae Bell, we know how your heart feels in the loss of your child. We know Larry's journey is not over, but just now beginning. We are praying for peace and comfort for you and family. Lean inward to Jesus and His love...Larry is home. Singing and praising our Lord.Debbie Carter Bennett
Warren, AR Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Larry was the nicest guy you could ever meet. What a great loss for his family. Prayers and love for you all!!!Kim Lawson
Star City, AR Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Larry, was a friend that knew you anywhere. Always had a smile on his face. He will be missed greatly. Lots of family memories!!Annette Watson
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 19, 2024 My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of loss.Gaylen & Debbie Gilbert
Star City, AR Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Larry was a long time friend and classmate. I will cherish our friendship and all the sweet memories we made over the years. ❤️