“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Ralph Larry McCracken, 80, a man of great generosity and Christian character, was born on January 22, 1945, to the late Martin and Anna McCracken. He graduated from Mary Hughes High School and the University of Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he began his career at Eastman Chemical Company. Shortly thereafter, he became General Manager at Tri-City Linen and Uniform Service in Kingsport, where he remained for the next 35 years until his retirement.

Throughout his life, Larry was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed bird hunting with his hunting dogs, skeet shooting, fishing, and working on his farm in Boones Creek. For many years, he was a devoted member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Boone Trail Baptist Church, where he formed many dear and lifelong friendships.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Carolyn; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Andrea McCracken; and his daughter and son-in-law, Malinda and Dan Sanders. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Marcus McCracken (Jaycee Botts), Paige Sanders, and Will Sanders; and one great-granddaughter, Elliana McCracken. He also leaves behind his dearest and lifelong friend of nearly 80 years, Joe Nance.

The family will receive friends at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home in Jonesborough on Wednesday, January 21 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. with the funeral services to follow at 6:00 with Rev. Jeremy Dykes officiating.

The entombment ceremony will be at the Washington County Memory Gardens at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22. Active pallbearers will be John McCracken, Dan Sanders, Marcus McCracken, Will Sanders, Randy Orten and Jason Strouth. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Nance, Don Banks, Joseph Cocan, Roland Boles, and Carlos Carver.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter, Holston Home for Children in Greeneville, TN, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.