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In Loving Memory of Chief Larry Dean Keplinger

Larry Dean Keplinger, 78, of Jonesborough, passed away peacefully at his home on September 1st, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. His wife, daughters, grandchildren, and loved ones were by his side as he took his final breath-a beautiful reflection of the love and devotion that surrounded him throughout his life.

Larry was married to the love of his life, Mae, for 57 years. Together they built a beautiful life and a family that was Larry’s greatest pride and joy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mae; daughters, Deborah Barnett (Jay) and Melony Broyles (Shane); grandchildren, Jaylyn Barnett (Jonathan), Jerron and Jaxton Barnett; bonus grandson, John Will Honeycutt; great-grandson, Briar Dean Goodman; and his loving brother, Jerry Lee Keplinger.

Larry was a lifelong member of Bethesda Methodist Church, where his faith remained an important part of his life. He loved the Lord deeply and often reminded those around him of how important it was to live for the Lord. His faith was not only something he spoke about, but something he tried to live by and share with others.

Larry proudly served his country as a Vietnam Veteran and was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat. His courage and dedication continued into his professional life at East Tennessee State University, where he began his career in June 1971 as a police officer. Through hard work and dedication, he advanced to Chief of Public Safety in 1987, a position he proudly held for 14 years before retiring in November 2001.

After retirement, Larry found some of his greatest joy in being a Papaw. He loved babysitting and spending time with his grandchildren, making memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. He loved traveling to Gatlinburg and being in the mountains and spending time with family at the beach. He also loved fishing, woodworking, model trains, and classic cars. Whether he was working with his hands, enjoying one of his hobbies, or spending time with his family, Larry found joy in the simple things in life.

To his daughters, Larry wasn't simply their father - he was their safe place, their protector, their teacher, and their greatest example of what a daddy should be. He was the best daddy, a girl could ever ask for. To his wife, Mae, he was a loving husband and best friend who shared 57 years of life, love, laughter, and memories.

Larry was loved and respected by so many throughout his life. His kindness, strength, faith, dedication, and love for his family touched countless lives. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, service, and family that will continue through the generations.

Larry was preceded in death by his son, Robert Wayne; and his parents, Ralph and Velma Keplinger.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort knowing that Larry is now in the presence of the Lord he loved and faithfully served.

He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a brother, a veteran, a public servant and a man of faith. But to those who loved him most, he was simply Dad, Papaw and Larry - he was truly one of a kind!

He will be deeply loved, greatly missed and forever remembered. I love you daddy!! Until we meet again.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, September 4, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Bryan Orchard and Pastor Chad Hooks officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, prior to the service. A Graveside Service with honors will follow at Bethesda Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Jerron & Jaxton Barnett, Jonathan Goodman, Mark Honeycutt, Wayne Dulaney, Ricky Broyles, Carlos & Gary Campbell

Honorary Pallbearers: Gary Butler, Frank Walters, Rick Reed, Mitch Taylor, Brian Barnett, Rodney Ramsey, Jerry Haws, Clay & Chad Hooks, Tommy & Lonnie Crain, Ted Thompson, Jack Cotrel & Staff of ETSU Public Safety

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Bethesda Methodist Church building fund.