Larry D. Sheffield

Mr. Larry D. Sheffield of Rico passed away on January 28, 2022. He was preceded by his wife, Jannea Furey Sheffield, and is survived by his children, Denver Sheffield (Newnan), Brandi Sheffield (world traveler), and James Parker Sheffield (Decatur); long-life best friend, Warren Pennington (McDonough), and his girlfriend and partner, Linda Burnett (Stockbridge). Larry's remaining living family includes Mary Shumate, Aunt (Warner Robins), Alice Bird, Aunt (Warner Robins), Fred Graham [Delores], Uncle (Warner Robins), Robert Graham, Uncle (Augusta), and several cousins. On Monday, February 7, 2022, funeral services will be held at 1:30 at Rico United Methodist Church, 6475 Rico Rd, Palmetto, GA 30268. Burial will follow at Rico Community Cemetery, 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd, Palmetto, GA 30268. Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.parrottfuneralhome.com. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until service time at the church. Parrott Funeral Home and Crematory, 770-964-4800. Larry's Story Our father was born in Dodge County, GA, on October 28, 1949, in his grandmother Gertrude's bed. He was surrounded by the love of many as he grew into a young man who excelled in athletics such as basketball, developed his trademark witty sense of humor, and found himself in the occasional mischief, which became some of his favorite stories to share. With his best friend Warren, Daddy moved to Atlanta in the late '60s and met Mama at a local diner where she worked. Their new romance turned into the beginning of a love story that lasted over 25 years until her death in 1996. During this time, he grew into a man that was not only a loving husband and provider but a devoted father of three. As a humble man, he taught us all to be loving, fair, respectful, to work hard, and, most importantly, to be grateful for all of our blessings. The three of us have countless stories of childhood adventures up on "Sheffield's Hill", from wheel barrel races, to fireworks that Daddy was so proud to always come by, to BBQ's with him manning the grill, to Daddy being determined to put together an above ground pool, which ended in a hilarious disaster. The stories, which are too many to recount, shaped our childhood memories that become a badge of pride for any country kid from the south. When not at home with his family, Daddy spent his days building his career at the Atlanta Airport Marriott. He worked his way up the Bell Captain, and in his over 30 years there received many awards and accolades for his excellent service and extraordinary work ethic. He loved to reminisce about all the famous people he encountered, such as actors/actresses, local tv personalities, politicians but particularly loved meeting athletes of any kind. It was also a special treat for the family when he would bring home abandoned suitcases sitting in "lost and found" too long for three very curious and eager kids to dig through. Daddy's humorous disdain for technology inspired his retirement when an email address became a requirement for his position, and true to form, his choice to forever only own flip phones. He flourished in his retirement years with the love and support of his girlfriend and partner, Linda, who was by his side for a span of over 15 years. They shared a love of state parks, road trips to Florida, searching through the local thrift stores, and time at home watching Paul Finebaum. Daddy met Linda at a card game, and they continued to share their love of a good game at a weekly get-together with a group of dear friends. Traveling by land or to sea visiting casinos all over the south, Daddy became "Lucky Larry" not only at the table but because of a remarkable partner in which to spend his days. He loved her grandkids as his own and gained another nickname of "Pop," and again, his family grew. His love of the UGA Dawgs deserves its own space here. A love affair that started long ago and fueled season after season of dedicated watching and armchair participation. This last National Championship title, we believe, was for him. Go Dawgs! Our father never met a stranger and, as a result, was blessed with endless stories full of amazing people who loved him, laughed with him, and filled his life with joy. Celebrating his life is a celebration of all of us and of the blessing of having him for as long as we did. May he rest in peace.

Larry D. Sheffield

October 28, 1949 - January 28, 2022