Larry Davis

Larry Dale Davis, 79, of Rockford went home to be forever with the Lord Saturday, January 15, 2022, in his home.  He often said, “1942, when Larry Davis sailed the ocean blue!” It was nearly 80 years ago…  Larry was born on September 13, 1942, the son of Carl Kenerd and Lora (Schuyler) Davis, the fourth boy in the family, soon to be joined by two sisters.  He married Linda M. Denton on September 7, 1962.  Larry was 20 and Linda was 16.  They had their ups and downs but have loved each other faithfully for nearly 60 years.  He worked many different jobs, sometimes 2 to 3 at once to provide for his family.  Some of them were as a tool setter for Crane Packing, Greenlee Tool, White Sunstrand and Ingersoll Tool, as a dairy farmer for KB Farms, and a janitor for Rockford Christian Schools.  He drove a stock car in his 20s, valued saving money, and was very creative, always jimmying up a fix for the problems he encountered.  Larry grew beautiful and perfect looking gardens and gave many vegetables away.  He loved the Lord and could most always be found in the early morning at the dining room table faithfully reading his Bible, the newspaper, and working on bills.  He loved his kids and will be remembered for playing peekaboo with his grandkids and taking them on tractor rides.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, visiting nursing homes.  Larry loved being with people and meeting friends at McDonalds and Burger King.  Member of North Love Baptist Church.  Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Linda; children, Tony (Joy), Tom (Kelly), Tina (Chris), Terry (Rosey), Tricia (Dan), Tiffany (Rob), Tracy (Jeff), Troy (Jessica), Todd (Chelsea), and Tyler (Sarah); 27 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Cherryl Ellsworth, and Etha (Cecil) Blankenship; numerous nieces and nephews; friend that is like a daughter, Sherry Bouchard; and special friend, Betty Varble.  Predeceased by his parents; brothers, Chancy, Wayne, and Kenny; special friends, Carl and Bonnie Varble and Everett Varble.

Service at 11 a.m. Friday, January 21, 2022, at North Love Baptist Church, 5301 East Riverside Blvd., Rockford, with visitation from 9 a.m. to service time.  Burial in Highland Gardens, Belvidere.  A memorial will be established.  Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., Loves Park.