William R. Larimer, Jr., 77, of Dalton, GA, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Larimer was born June 15th, 1936 in Tazewell, VA to the late William Roy and Katherine Larimer; and was also preceded in death by his sister, Jennie Larimer; and his brothers, Andy and Jackie Denton Larimer.
Bill enlisted in the Army and served in the Biological, Chemical and Radiological Corps. He also proudly served in the Georgia Nike Hercules Air Defense Network, which in the 1960s stood ready to fire nuclear missiles at incoming bombers. The Nike Hercules group recently had their first reunion and Bill served as the Treasurer. Honorably discharged in 1964, Bill attended college at Georgia Middle and received a degree that served him well as a Technical Engineer. Over the years, Bill was employed in Barnesville, GA at General Electric, Dunlop Tires of Utica, NY, Candlewick Yarn of Dalton, GA and retired after traveling the world with Shaw Industries. Bill was proud to be part of the community of Dalton, GA. His passion in Dalton was the Dalton Elks Lodge #1267 where he was a proud member for 35 years. It didn't matter to Bill if he was starting Bingo at the Elks Club, putting in light bulbs, working on the pool, working with the Aidmore Foundation or serving as the Exalted Ruler. He loved the Elks. Bill served as the Exalted Ruler for two terms, District Deputy, Elk of the Year-multiple times, Trustee Chairman, Life member, State Vice-President of the Northwest District, State Budget Chairman-the only member on this committee not to be a past state president and was a current Trustee for the Lodge. To his family and everyone he met, Bill was the sweetest, kindest gentleman that anyone had the great privilege to know and be loved by. He was the epitome of the word Gentleman. There are no words to explain how greatly loved this man was by all that was fortunate enough to have had him in their lives. To his children and grandchildren, he was the most wonderful man, Dad and Grandpop in the world. He will be greatly and deeply missed every day of our lives.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra Larimer; daughter, Lisa Wood-Parrott and husband, Bruce of Dalton, GA; son, Tom Larimer and wife Melissa of Marietta, GA: brother and sisters-in-law, David and Lynne Larimer of Tazewell, VA and Betty and Sam Larimer of Barnesville, GA; niece, Betsy Fenton and family of Atlanta, GA; several nieces and nephews; two special grandchildren, Morgan "Mason" Wood, II of Dalton, GA and William Thomas Larimer, II of Marietta, GA; and the Elks Club members of Dalton, GA whom he considered a part of his family.
Services to celebrate the life of William Larimer will be held Tuesday, August 27 at 11 a.m. at the Christ Presbyterian of Dalton, GA with Dr. Mickey Shealy officiating. Entombment will be in the Whitfield Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
The family will receive friends at Love Funeral Home Monday, August 26 from 5-8 p.m.
The family requests Memorial Donations be made to the American Cancer Society 200 W. Emery St., Suite 3, Dalton Ga 30720, the American Heart Association, 519 E Fourth St., Chattanooga, TN 37403 or the Elks Aidmore Foundation, 2394 Morrison Rd, Conyers, GA 30094.
Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA is in charge of arrangements.