Larry Harland Jarrell, 81, of Ruston, Louisiana, passed away on October 4, 2025, in Peachtree City, Georgia, where he had recently moved to be closer to his youngest son, Jonathan.
Born on May 4, 1944, in Dubberly, Louisiana, to Maxine and Judson Jarrell, Larry grew up alongside his siblings, Jerry and Louise. He graduated from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, earning an MBA while working as a salesman at Lewis’s and Company. Larry’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open Jarrell’s, a department store in Ruston that became a cornerstone of the community for more than 20 years. After its closing in 1994, Larry continued his professional journey as a professor in the College of Business at Louisiana Tech University, where he taught for two decades until his retirement.
Deeply devoted to his community, Larry served as president of the Peach Festival, was an active member of the Lions Club, and later became a proud supporter of the Dixie Theater, serving on its board for more than ten years. In 2018, he was honored as Mardi Gras King at the Ruston Ball, a reflection of his joyful spirit and love for local tradition. His passion for cooking and catering was inspired by his late wife Sharon’s celebrated brunches at Jarrell’s, and he carried her legacy of hospitality and fine food throughout his life.
On June 24, 1966, Larry married his college sweetheart, Sharon Elizabeth Teague of Bossier City, LA. Together they shared 32 years of marriage and raised four children: Brian, Katie, Laura, and Jonathan. Sharon’s passing from cancer in 1998 was a profound loss, yet Larry continued to honor her memory through family traditions and his dedication to those he loved.
Larry is survived by his children: Brian (Kirsten), Katie, and Jonathan (Christopher); his grandchildren: Daniel, Landry, Avery, Jolie, and Garret; and his great-granddaughter, Aadya. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sharon, his brother Jerry, his sister Louise, and his daughter Laura.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kilpatrick’s Funeral Home in Ruston. Celebration of Life services will take place at Temple Baptist Church located in the Chapel on Saturday, October 11, beginning at 2:00pm followed by interment at Kilpatrick cemetery.
Larry will be remembered for his devotion to family, his love of food and community, and the countless lives he touched through his tutelage, humor, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
