Larry Ray Stuard I

Larry Ray Stuard I, 79, of New Caney, Texas, went home to Jesus on April 4, 2024, after a valiant battle with dementia.
Larry was born on February 13, 1945, to Bennie and Juanita Stuard in Highlands, Texas, where he grew up. Larry was the youngest of three siblings and was often spoiled by his two older sisters, Opal and Fay.
In 1962, Larry met his bride-to-be at The Dairy Freeze in Crosby, Texas. He was instantly smitten by his waitress, Billie Faye Lightfoot, and decided to flirt and irritate her by changing his order several times. Despite his picking and subsequent frequent trips to The Dairy Freeze in the days thereafter, he managed to steal Billie’s heart, and three months later, they were wed on December 23, 1962. They went on to have three beautiful children, Larry Ray (II), Tony Lee, and Melissa Faye.
Larry served in the United States Army for four years and was stationed overseas in Germany where his first son was born. After an honorable military discharge, Larry excelled in the refinery industry and retired from Lyondell Chemical Company in 2000 after a 31-year career.
Among the priorities in his life, Larry delighted in serving and helping others. He was actively involved as a deacon for 40+ years at Porter First Baptist Church with a special heart serving on the ministry team for the widows, and enjoyed singing in the choir ministry. Additionally, he was quick to volunteer in any way the church needed him, from building repairs to visitation, he made himself available to serve.
Larry was an avid bass fisherman, and especially enjoyed teaching and passing on his fishing prowess to his sons where many fond (and not so fond) memories were made on the lake. Larry and Tony still fondly recall and laugh about those good ol’ fishing trip days with dad (and mom’s fried chicken she sent along). Larry also enjoyed watching football, and when his boys were young, regularly played football with them and the neighborhood kids. His daughter was the apple of his eye who was the only one of the three of them that could usually get them out of trouble with dad. She might have even made some bribe money in the process.

 After retirement, Larry and Billie enjoyed traveling together and made trips with friends to Branson many times to see their favorite Christian singers. They took several cruises to Alaska and one cruise to Hawaii with friends as well as a trip to see the Seattle Space Needle in Washington among other destinations, and many flights to Hawaii over a 10-year period to visit their oldest son and his family at their Naval duty station.
A husband, dad of three, grandfather of nine, and great-grandfather of seven, he truly loved his family. He had a way of making you smile and laugh with ease. He was a friend to many and loved by all.
Larry is predeceased by his parents and his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Billie Faye; his three children, Larry Ray (Debbie) Stuard II, Tony Lee (Marsha) Stuard, and Melissa Faye (Carey) Mace; nine grandchildren, Shane, Tyler, Zachary G., Zachary, Devin, Logan G., Logan M., Reagan, and Tiffany; and seven great grandchildren, Wyatt, Laela, Shane, Ryder, Emma, Landon, and Nathan.