Larry Harrod

Mr. Larry Harrod, 88, of Nashville passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 16, 2025. He was born in Frankfort, Kentucky on August 1, 1936. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruby Goins Harrod; daughter, Patricia E. Harrod; and brothers, Bobby C. Harrod and Paul Harrod.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Harrod; sons, Bobby (Vickie) Harrod and Jeff (Caroline) Harrod; stepchildren, Wesley Harding and Jacqueline Harding; brothers, Wayne (Tommie Sue) Harrod and Tony Harrod; sister, Beverly Harrod; seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

Growing up during the Great Depression had a profound effect on everyone in ways we aren't able to understand in the time of abundance we live in. Larry was no exception. Survival in those times called for families to dig down deep, work hard, and pitch in together. The hard work part of that equation was what Larry counted on from that time forward. School work didn't rank high on the list, and he, like many of his peers from those days, left school and used their common sense and perseverance to make their way in the world.

Whatever he faced in life, Larry kept his nose to the grindstone. He was blessed with the ability to work with his hands, and he used it in and outside of the workforce. When it came to putting his skills to use in the workforce, Larry was trained as an orthopedic technician. In layman's terms, he crafted the casts used to protect and realign the injured area of a broken bone after the doctor corrected the break. Using plaster over cotton, he would create the casts the patient would wear until the healing was complete. His entire career was spent working for Tennessee Orthopedics.

Larry almost had the commendation of being a "lifetime employee," working well into his late 70s. However, when the time came that he could no longer fulfill his duty, Larry faced the music and stepped aside from the career he loved. During all of those working years, Larry didn't pick up very many hobbies, but again, working with his hands came into play. Mechanically inclined, he found enjoyment working on vehicles. His fascination lied with the old Ford Rangers, but he could find a way to work on anything you threw at him. Basically, if Larry wasn't at work, he found work, and that was a trait he gladly shared with his boys.

Not a believer in too much idle time, Larry would send his boys to cut the grass when they were young. He aimed to instill in them a work ethic, and though the boys didn't fully understand at the time, their families have been the beneficiaries of Larry's lessons. The only other thing Larry passed along to his boys was the appreciation of a good meal and good company. They met at a central location for breakfast once every few months to catch up. Cracker Barrel in Smyrna took the cake for Larry's favorite spot to enjoy a good breakfast, and most importantly, spend time with his boys.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story