- Date Of Birth: August 8, 1945
- Date Of Death: April 9, 2018
- State: Mississippi
Larry Wayne McVeay, Sr of Pascagoula, Mississippi, went home to be with His Lord at the age of 72 on April 9th, surrounded by his family. Born August 8th, 1945 in Pascagoula, Mississippi as one of the 8 well-known McVeay brothers, Larry learned how to survive (along with his 3 sisters). Even though he had a fighter’s spirit and broad shoulders, his brothers and sisters would tell you that out of 11 siblings, it was his loyalty, his smile and his heart that made him special. In High School, he used his considerable charms to convince Diane Lennep that his reputation as a McVeay boy was over exaggerated so she would agree to go out with him on a date. She did, and soon after they were married. Diane quickly became pregnant with the first of their four children and Larry headed to Fort Jackson to serve in the Army. After his military service, Larry began a long career at Ingalls Shipbuilding starting as a welder. As a testament to his work ethic and dedication he became an award winning Project Coordinator, retiring in 2004. One of his coworkers described him best, “You could trust him because he didn’t think he was any better than anyone else. He treated everyone exactly the same way and helped anyone who needed it. That’s just who he was.” After 52 years of marriage, his wife Diane will tell you that out of all his accomplishments, there was one that meant everything to him. One summer evening at a revival camp meeting in Pascagoula, Larry walked down an aisle and made the decision to surrender his life to Jesus Christ. Larry’s faith transformed him and led him to pastor Bethel Missionary Baptist Church for 42 years where he preached the ‘good news’ until his body was too weak to continue. “He would tell you to this day that he was still ‘just a sinner saved by grace’ and that it was the love of Christ that allowed him to become the man that we loved so much.” Diane said. Larry Wayne McVeay’s infectious smile, booming baritone voice, kind spirit and gentle strength made him a friend to every stranger, a mentor to every friend, and a hero to his entire family. But, in the end if you asked him about his life and his legacy, he would tell you that it was the only the love of Jesus that he’d hope you see.
Larry was the son of Walter L. “Son” McVeay Jr. and Katie McVeay. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Dorothy “Dot” Rouse, Doris Clifford and brothers, Walter “Bob”, Darryl, Burnett “Cheeka”, Dale, and Alton. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane McVeay, and children; daughters Delinda Diana McCallister and Rachael Hope (Alan) Twelkemeier, and sons Larry Wayne McVeay Jr and Robert Paul (Jackie) McVeay, as well as 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Brothers Jim, Olly, and his baby sister, Kay Wheat, survive him in death as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to express special thanks to Singing River Hospital System’s Regional Cancer Center and Hospice of Light for their kindness and exceptional medical care during his battle with cancer.
