Joseph "Larry" Taylor Lawrence

In Loving Memory of Joseph “Larry” Lawrence Taylor

December 19, 1938 – August 26, 2026

Joseph Lawrence Taylor, affectionately known as Larry, was born on December 19, 1938, in Opelousas, Louisiana, to Leo Taylor and Eva Fuselier. On August 26, 2026, he departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, service, and community.

Larry was a man who lived life unapologetically. Raw, unfiltered, hilarious, and full of fire, he had his own way of communicating and never believed in sugarcoating the truth. Yet, especially with the younger generation, he always found a way to deliver his message with love. He believed in passing down the knowledge he had gained, and mentoring young people became a natural part of who he was.

In his early years, Larry proudly served in the United States Navy. He later owned and operated his own construction business before moving into sales. But his greatest calling was serving his community.

To many, he was lovingly known as “Mr. Larry,” the neighborhood snowcone man. He collaborated with churches, youth organizations, sporting events, and community groups because he genuinely loved being among people and giving back. In his own words, “Wherever the people are, I loved to be there.”

Larry became a father and grandfather figure to many young people who may not have had one of their own. He taught, encouraged, corrected, laughed, and showed up. He was a community father and grandfather, embracing that role wholeheartedly.

Larry was a man of faith who believed that God would always provide. That faith carried him through life and was reflected in the way he loved, gave, and showed up for others.

Larry had a heart of gold and could never watch someone go without. Even when he had little to give, he gave it without hesitation. He showed up every time, no questions asked. His generosity was simply a part of who he was.

He loved his family deeply and cherished family gatherings, especially when there was gumbo involved—his absolute favorite. He enjoyed fishing, sitting at the park reading the newspaper, listening to country music, and watching old Western movies. But most of all, Larry loved people.

He leaves to cherish his memory his three daughters, Candiance Taylor, Tamikka Taylor, and Debra Brown; his grandchildren, Breanna Taylor-Lemelle and her husband, Enrique Lemelle, Jovanti Reynolds, Jada Reynolds, Kain Pitre, and Christian Johnson; his brother, John Taylor, and sister-in-law, Carol Taylor; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and a great-nephew; and countless extended family members, friends, community members, and young people whose lives he touched.

Larry was more than a father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend. He was a presence. You were always going to know when Larry was in the building. His laugh, his voice, his honesty, his humor, and that unmistakable fire he carried made sure of that.

And perhaps the greatest way to describe his passing is this:

His body could no longer keep up with his spirit. 

The body that carried him through a lifetime of hard work, service, laughter, fishing, family gatherings, and countless acts of kindness finally grew tired. But the spirit that made Larry Larry—that fire, that humor, that generosity, that unapologetic way of being—will continue to live in everyone he touched. 

His family takes comfort in knowing that the God Larry trusted throughout his life has now called him home. 

Rest well, Daddy. Your work here is finished, but the seeds you planted will continue to grow. 

You will forever be loved, forever be remembered, and forever be Mr. Larry.