Thomas Larry LaRue

Thomas Larry LaRue was born to Carl and Freddie McDonald LaRue on November 12, 1941 in Austonio, Texas. He departed this life on September 30, 2024 at his home in Camp, Arkansas 

Larry spent his childhood in New Mexico, California, Texas and North Central Arkansas. He met his wife Anna Beth Sutherland in high school, and they married in February 1959 — a few months before graduation. To this union, two children were born: Larry Mark and Lora Ann. 

Larry spent a number of his working years as an owner and operator of a Borden Distributorship in central Arkansas. He and Anna Beth moved back to Camp in 1980 and began adding acreage to their farm, which they lovingly named Rocky Top. Over the next several decades they built an award-winning herd including an American Royal and a National Western Stock Show champion. Known for raising high-quality, dependable stock, they developed special relationships with repeat buyers across the country. 

Larry loved to be outside and took great joy in making memories with his family. He was Mark and Lora’s biggest fan and truly believed there was nothing they couldn’t do if they tried. He never missed a chance to encourage them and remind them how proud they made him.

When their grandkids were growing up, he and Anna Beth spent weekends and vacations showing them civil war sites and other historical landmarks. Each of his five grandchildren have fond memories of time spent with Grandpa. They worked hard on the farm together, but he always managed to find a swimming hole or let them drive in the fields or on the dirt roads. They also listened to endless Marty Robbins and Statler Brothers classics and ate lots of popcorn and Yarnell’s ice cream together. Larry was a Christian and member of the Camp United Methodist Church. He deeply enjoyed gospel music and served as a Sunday school teacher. 

Larry is survived by his wife, daughter Lora (Kenny) Crawford of Camp, grandsons Chris (Jill) LaRue, Thomas Jack LaRue, Scott (Kristan) LaRue, Drew (Kaitlin) Crawford, granddaughter Jennifer Crawford, and his beloved great grandchildren Joshua, Holly, Sadie, Nolin, Maverick, and Ella. Larry is also survived by two brothers: Derald (Melanie) LaRue and Ronnie (Jenny) LaRue and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and extended family.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Donnie LaRue, and his son Larry Mark LaRue. 

A visitation will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 at the Camp United Methodist Church followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. in the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Camp United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.