Larry McAdams

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Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
St. James United Methodist Church
321 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72212
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
11:00 A.M.
Memorial Contributions
St. James United Methodist Church New Challenges Sunday School Class
321 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72212

Larry McAdams

of Little Rock, AR

July 4, 1939 - September 14, 2021

Larry McAdams grew up in a small town in the bootheel of Missouri at a time when people left their doors unlocked and children roamed the streets playing until dark. In Hayti, Missouri, his family ran a grocery store and his uncle managed three cinemas. Larry was more enchanted with the movies than he was with stocking shelves, and by the age of 14 he could be found running the projectors at the Joy Theater boosted up by an old coke box so he could reach the controls. Larry continued working for his uncle while he was in high school, but he still found time to play football as the running back for the Hayti Indians, to participate in the school band playing the trumpet, and to perform as the male lead in Annie Get Your Gun. His diverse interests continued into college and throughout his life.

By 1957 Larry was behind the mic for KCRV in Caruthersville, Missouri as a Rock n' Roll deejay. It was here that his broadcast career began. Moving to Arkansas as a freshman at Arkansas State University, Larry enrolled as a speech and theater major. Before graduating, Larry moved to Little Rock in the early 60s as a deejay for KXLR. Returning to Jonesboro to continue his education he worked for KBTM radio and in July 1963 Larry was part of the inaugural staff and one of the first to be hired as an on-air talent at KAIT-TV. In the late 60s Larry was in Little Rock at KATV presenting the news, weather, and sports sharing airtime with Bud Campbell, Cal Dring, Dale Nicholson, BJ Sams and Gary Weir. Larry transitioned from broadcasting to sales at KATV, and by 1978, he moved into sales at KARK and advanced to National Sales Manager before retiring in 1997.

Larry was active in the Little Rock Community serving as a board member for LifeQuest of Arkansas and Commissioner of the Riverdale Harbour District. He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church and was actively involved with the New Challenges Sunday School class. In his neighborhood Canal Pointe, Larry served as president of the property association and in the early years was given the title of mayor.

Larry's passions were many, but none more treasured than the time he spent with his family. He brought three daughters into the world whom he loved with his whole heart. Not only was he an exceptional father, but ''Pops'' was just as sensational as a grandfather. He was happiest when he was with his grandchildren celebrating birthdays and attending dance recitals, talent shows, and movie screenings. Whether it was riding the train at 12 with his friend Gene to St. Louis to see the Cardinals play or commandeering his boat on the Arkansas River, Larry's passions never waned. For his entire adult life, he continued his interest in trains and would set up his massive train set around the tree every Christmas. He was watching his beloved Cardinals play the weekend before he passed. Seaclusion was the last boat he captained on the Arkansas River. Larry loved to travel and spent many summers with his wife Carol Ann, chaperoning groups all over Europe and joining theatre friends in New York to see the latest Broadway shows. He never lost his passion for a bucket of popcorn and a good movie.

Born July 4, 1939, to O.E. ''Cobb'' and Mary Jane McAdams in Kennett, Missouri, Larry always felt that the Fourth of July fireworks and picnics were part of his birthday celebration. Pancreatic cancer took him from this world September 14, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Terri Anne McAdams. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol Ann Conner McAdams; daughters Karen (Brad) Hopper of Allen, TX, and Pamela (Mike) McKinnis of Little Rock; grandchildren Terri Anne Howard, Gray Thurman, Damon McKinnis, and Elena McKinnis. He is also survived by in-laws Nancy (John) Davis, Bo (Melanie) Conner, and Bill Conner, plus a niece Danielle (Cody) Burnell, nephews Jeremy (Amy) Baker, Clint (Beka) Conner, Craig (Erin) Conner and their children, and cousins Ann (Charlie) Barcus, John (Linda) Henley, John (Janet) McAdams, Betty Weaver and Lee (Judy) Cole. All his friends remember Larry as the life of the party, always ready for an adventure and the most positive of men. A special thank you to Dr. C.D. Williams for giving Larry's family and friends another 24 years of quality life with him. He will be missed by many.

A celebration of Larry's life will be held Wednesday, September 22 at 11:00 AM, at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, with a reception following in the Welcome Center. Masks are required. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to New Challenges Sunday School Class at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock 72212.



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42 Condolence(s)
Ron and Jo Hestir
Gillett, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Carol, Ron and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Alice Jo Fresquez
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Carol Ann and family, I send you love and comfort at this time of loss. I know you and Larry shared a lifetime of love. May your memories of Larry and your faith in God sustain you in coming days. I love you.

Kaye Hoggard
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Sending love and prayers.

Lisa Yarnell
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Carol, I will be praying for peace and comfort for you and your family during this dark time for your family. Larry was such a sweet, kind and funny guy. I know you will miss him greatly. Time doesn't heal a broken heart; but God can. Trust HIM and have faith you will get through this grieving process and will come out the other side with a new knowledge of love and loss. I miss have dinner with you guys.
I would be happy to help you in any way that you might need. Please contact me and let me know what you need. Love you.

Billie dreher
North Little Rock,
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Carol Ann and family, praying that you all have moments of laughter, celebration and endless peace. Larry is whole and new! What a life he lived and what love he shared! Praying God’s best!!

Tom Owen
Ft Smith, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Larry was a good friend and we enjoyed many years boating on the Arkansas River. He will be missed and my prayers go out to Carol and his family.

Rhonda Eubanks
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Carol Ann,
I want you to know you are in my prayers. Larry was also such a kind person when I would see him at NLRHS productions. I am out of town so will not be able to be at the Celebration of Life but know that I will be praying for you and your family. Love you sweet friend and I will check on you when I return.

Pam
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Carol I’m so sorry for your loss. Larry was a awesome guy. He will be greatly missed by all. One of best guys I knew.

Camilla Weir
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all right now. I will continue to pray for your strength and comfort during this time.
Sending you lots of love,
Camilla

Mike and Diana Marlow
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Dear Carol Ann, Mike and I are very sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed running into you both! We could see the love that you had for each other and those that you loved! Remember, love stays!
With our love, Mike and Diana Marlow

Sharon Parker
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Carol Ann, my heart and prayers go out to you. I am so very sorry. Enjoy the beautiful memories you built together.

Lisa Tiller
Dallas, TX
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Carol Ann, my heart is broken for you. All of my memories of Larry are tied to how much you two loved and supported one another. A family man, a gentleman, and oh so much fun. You two were a team, and I know he is still right there with you in so many ways. I love you sweet friend.

Rose Hamilton
N. Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Carol Ann, we are saddened to read of your loss. Our love and prayers are with you!

Martha Tull
Littl Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

I am so sorry Carol Ann. Will be thinking of you and your family.

Karen Trevino
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was one of the nicest men I ever met. Thinking of you and your family and praying you all have peace. Love you very much. Karen

Anwar Hardin
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Mrs. Mac. I won’t be able to attend, but my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family in this most difficult time.

Love,
Anwar

Debby Hamilton
NLR, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Carol Ann, my family wants you and your family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dana Hogue
Lake Wylie,
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Thank you for sharing Larry’s story. I was fortunate to work with Larry at KATV LR. Larry was a gift to us all. Always welcoming & full of joy.

Linda Campbell
Austin, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Prayers for you and your family

David Bud Bell
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, September 20, 2021

Always a pleasure to see Larry and Carol Ann. I hold him in the light. We are blessed to have known him.

Richard Fowler
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, September 20, 2021

So sorry for your loss Pam!! Sending hugs and prayers your way!!!

Nadine Morris
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, September 20, 2021

So sad to hear of Larry’s passing. I worked with him for many years when he was at ch 7 and again at ch 4. Always the professional and one of the best in the business. Prayers of peace for the family.

Ashley Ingalls
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, September 19, 2021

Carol Ann and family,
Love, thoughts and prayers are coming your way!
Love,
Ashley

Tonya (Davis) Thomas
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, September 19, 2021

Pamela, Karen and family, such a beautiful legacy your dad leaves for you to cherish. My deepest condolences in the difficult days ahead. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff Clark
South Bend, IN
Liked
Sunday, September 19, 2021

Dear Carol Ann, Lisa and I are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with the McAdams family. It was always a great treat to be with you and Lar at our annual dinners. Larry was always so engaging and could tell a story about our broadcast days that had all of us roaring in laughter. I seem to be losing good friends like Larry and Cal Dring that were part of our dinner group and it breaks my heart to loose such good friends like them within a month.
God Bless you and your daughters but I know he is now free of pain.
Jeff & Lisa Clark

Jim Halsell
State College, PA
Liked
Sunday, September 19, 2021

Very sorry to hear that Larry had passed away. I worked with him at Channel 7. Enjoyed getting to know him. He always had a smile on his face!

Damita Brown
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Sunday, September 19, 2021

Ms. McAdams,
May God continue to comfort and strengthen you. You and your family are in our prayers. Love you, Damita, Omar and Ashton

Gwen Styers
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, September 19, 2021

We are keeping you in our prayers.

Sonya and Eric Owings
Las Vegas, NV
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

Eric, Savannah and I send love and prayers to you all during this time. We hope you find strength in each other and with the many wonderful memories knowing he had a tremendous love of life with you all.

Kathleen Nowell-King
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

The Nowell,King,Adams families’ hearts and thoughts are with your family and friends...💜

Paulette Rhodes
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

What a wonderful life Larry lived and what a legacy he left. I am so sorry for your loss and am praying for you and your family.

Pam Bowdoin
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

One of my favorite memories of Larry was playing Right/Left/Center in Orange Beach,Al. What a fun time that was. Everyone yelling and screaming trying to win a dollar. Larry was having so much fun- aches and pains gone for the night! I love knowing that will be the picture I carry of Larry forever! My thoughts and prayers are with you Carol Ann. I do know the lose you are feeling, but you have so many wonderful memories to help you carry on. Much Love, Pam

Randy and Diane Zook
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

May the prayers of friends and love of God give you comfort.

Rachel Gammill
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

Larry leaves such an amazing legacy. Eric and I were just reminiscing about our wedding party cruise…such a special memory that we will cherish always. We love you, Carol Ann!

Jo grounds
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. Love abs prayers to you.

Gwen Wiggins
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

Sincere condolences to family and friends for the loss of this dear man. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Terri Valentine
Mayflower, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

Carol,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Larry was an amazing man and always brought a smile to everyone he met. Scott and I are sorry we will not be able to attend his celebration of life, we are out of the state. Please know we are praying for you and the family. Scott and I send our love.

Love, Scott and Terri Valentine

John Cooke
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

Always a kind & encouraging word. The truest example of a gentleman.

Sallie Langford
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 18, 2021

Carol Ann, I am so sorry. My most vivid memory of Larry is when your dad died. He wrapped you in his arms and held you. Somehow I am sure those arm are still wrapped around you to love you and comfort you.

Know we love you.

Michael Rice
New York, NY
Liked
Friday, September 17, 2021

I am so sorry to read about Larry.....My condolences to you, Carol Ann.....He was a great guy. Peace to you.

Joetta and Dick Duke
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, September 17, 2021

Carol Ann and Family, we are so saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. It has always brought such joy to see you together and the happiness you brought to each other and those around you.We pray you find smiles in your memories, strength with your family, and peace through your faith. Please know we care and that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Love,
Joetta and Dick

Debbie Ashcraft
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Friday, September 17, 2021

Please hold tightly to our Savior during this time of sorrow. May you find peace in God's promises that this separation is only temporary.
Prayers and Love,
Debbie Ashcraft