Larry McNelly

TAMMS, Ill. -- Larry Leon McNelly, 59, of Tamms passed away Sept. 13, 2019.

Larry was born Sept. 30, 1959 in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Harold and Donna (Fletcher) McNelly. Larry married Gena Birk in 1982 and they had two children; Derek Brandon and Jessica Dawn McNelly.

He graduated from Egyptian High School in 1977 as valedictorian of his class and earned an associate of science from Shawnee Community College in 1979.

Larry enjoyed truck driving, and he at one time owned Jdm Trucking Co. He was employed by the Alexander County Highway Department in Olive Branch, Illinois, in 2012 and worked there until his passing.

Larry had a great love for animals throughout his entire lifetime. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) at 139 E. Vienna St., Anna, IL 62906. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Larry is survived by his parents of Thebes, Illinois; son, Derek McNelly of Anna, Illinois; daughter, Jessica (Josh) Bigham of Olive Branch; sister, Debbie (Tim) Goins of Marion, Illinois; grandchildren, Juliana, Devon and Daelan McNelly of Anna and Jayleah, Jacelynn and Jentry Bigham of Olive Branch, as well as his beloved dog, Bandit.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Chasity Gathright.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Raymond McAfee officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfunerlahome.com.