Lawrence “Larry” London, 86
January 29, 1940 – July 29, 2026
TUPELO – Lawrence “Larry” London, a great soul whose 86-year earthly pilgrimage was blessed with love of God, family, Church and community, crossed over into the Promised Land from his West Tupelo residence, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 surrounded by his family. Born in Tupelo on January 29, 1940 to the late Gus London and Ethel Welch London, Larry graduated from Tupelo High School. Always jovial, optimistic and forward looking, Larry loved his hometown of Tupelo and his many friends here. A patriotic American, he served in the U. S. Air Force. Brave, stoic and determined, he eventually received 100% military disability for the injuries incurred in his service to his fellow man.
A born leader, Larry spent his entire working life in sales and/or management. He spent almost 25 years as the Purchasing Agent for Purnell’s Pride Chicken in Tupelo. After Marshall Durbin purchased Purnell’s Pride, Larry spent several years with Bryan Foods in West Point, the Schafer Company and Mississippi Paper Company. Upon retirement in 1990, he founded, owned and managed London Gourmet Foods until his health failed due to his ALS diagnosis. He lived positively with ALS spending the last decades of his life wheelchair bound but he always remained optimistic.
Larry had an adventurous life filled with daring and delight. He married Theresa Shinault on Oct. 17, l987 in Tupelo, a marriage of 37 years at his death. They lived in the Memphis area for almost two decades before retiring home to Tupelo. Larry was a longtime member of Harrisburg Baptist Church where he served as a greeter the last few years. His family knew he loved this role because he came home after Church with multiple lipstick marks on his face. Larry was a longtime runner having helped found the Tupelo/Lee County Running Club as well as serving as President for many years. He made to many marathons and triathlons, as well 5 K and 10 K’s along the way. He was blessed to teach and mentor cross country runners at Tupelo High School and was President of the Booster Club. An avid Ole Miss sport’s fan, he loved cheering his Rebels on! Larry’s faith was strong, his sights were properly directed and he has now received the rewards of a faithful, well lived life.
A service celebrating Larry’s life will take place at 1 PM Saturday, August 1, 2026 in the Sanctuary of Harrisburg Baptist Church, with Air Force honors. Bro. Rob Armstrong will officiate. Private burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 11 AM Saturday only at Harrisburg Baptist Church. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to serve their family and friends. Condolences may be posted on Larry’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
Honorary pallbearers will be his Sunday School class, the Wilemon/Scott Class at Harrisburg Baptist Church.
Larry is survived by his wife, Theresa London of Tupelo; his daughters, Lori Raines (Roger) of Saltillo and Leanne London of Tupelo; his beloved grandchildren, Keely Trimble (Bart), Madison Cox (Ty), Hunter Raines (Sophie), and Kortney Ratzlaff (Bartlett); and four great-grandchildren, Cal, Gentry, Parker, Bonnie and one on the way (Campbell Claire)!; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families; sisters in law, Elaine Shinault of Olive Branch and Becky Shinault of Patriot, IN; his Shinault family; his beloved Peaches Hickinbottom, caregiver and friend; and a host of admiring friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Ethel London, and his brothers, Harry London and Jack London.
Memorials may be made to Gideon’s International, Tupelo Camp, P. O. Box 1073, Tupelo, MS. 38802.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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