of Paris, AR
May 15, 1942 - February 5, 2019
Dr. Laurence K. (Larry) Connelley, 75, of Paris, Arkansas, died February 5, 2019 at M. D. Anderson in Houston, Texas with his wife, Linda, and his brother, Jim, by his side.
Dr. Larry Ken Connelley, a well-known Podiatrist in the Little Rock area passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home February 5. Left to mourn his passing was his lovely wife, Linda Sue, of Paris, Arkansas, his two sons Larry III and Rodney of Little Rock, his brother Jim Connelley and wife Lisa of Spring, Texas, a beloved cousin, Brenda Collier and husband John of Conway. Also included are Linda's son and family, Joseph Coots III and his wife Kim and grandsons, Chase and Connor of Ranger, Georgia.
Dr. Connelley is preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Maxine Parker Connelley; his aunt, Annie Parker Connelley and husband Rufus and his uncle, Clyde Connelley, Jr..
Dr. Connelley was born in Paris, Arkansas, a son of Larry and Maxine Parker Connelley, on May 15, 1942. A few years later he was gifted with a brother, Jim. He became a member of the First Christian Church in Paris. He attended Paris Public Schools and graduated from Paris High School in 1960. He also attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma and from there, went on to the Dr. William M. Scholl School of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago for his DPM degree which he received in 1966. He opened his practice in Little Rock as the West Little Rock Foot Clinic where he practiced for many years. Upon retirement, he moved back to Paris.
After retirement, with the help of his wife, Linda, he was able to fulfill his dream of refurbishing the Connelley family's earliest home in Paris. They returned it to its original state, even to the earliest color. They turned it into a beautiful home containing many historical artifacts. He and Linda enjoyed, as active, fun loving, involved people, several years in the Paris community, with a lot of travel to ''bucket list'' places. This proved ''You can go home again.''
Larry was a consummate historian. He could regale you for hours telling about historical characters and events from the tri-state area-Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee. He was able to answer many questions of genealogy of his Parker-Connelley heritage. He was a reader who shared books and knowledge readily, and with much enjoyment. He liked people.
Unfortunately, he developed a rare form of blood cancer in his later years. He was a fighter and intended to live as long as possible. With the help of Linda and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston, Dr. Connelley was able to live years longer than predicted, having ''Truly and courageously fought the good fight'' of dealing with his cancer until the end. The family, friends and Paris Community have lost an intelligent, compassionate and caring man who was a blessing to all. He will be sorely missed.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, February 10, 2019, at the Roller Funeral Home in Paris.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 11, 2019, at the Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris with the Rev. H.C. Varnadore officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Paris under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris.
Pallbearers will be Austin Brewer, Joseph Coots III, Connor Coots, Ron Trusty, Kevin Berry and Terry Hartwell.
Memorials may be made to Annie's House of Hope Fund at First National Bank, 11 East Main Street, Paris, AR 72855.
Larry was a kind and honest Man. Gone but never forgotten! RIP Brother!
I met Larry upon his arrival in Chicago in August 1962. He was a smoker at the time. So as not to contaminate the ground, he flicked his cigarette ashes into the cuff of his pants. He was one of the most down-to-earth, thoughtful individuals I have had the honor of meeting. We graduated together four years later and the rest is history.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Linda Sue, Larry III, and Rodney as well as to Linda's family.
Sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was a great guy and will surely be missed. God's peace to the family and friends.
I am going to miss Larry, we worked on his trains together, he was married to my sister, He was such a sweet and kind person, he was very special person in my life , I am gonna miss his stories I love him very much.
Sorry for your loss. I was in the Paris Kiwanis Club with Larry and we will miss him. I have know him and his family all my life.
Larry you will be missed. We all loved you so much. You were a man with so much knowledge and great stories.
You held all of our attention. You were such a loving brother-in-law. My sister, Linda, was really blessed to have found you again.
Love you always, Belle
I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed getting to visit with Dr. Connelley every week when he would come to get his labwork done. He will be greatly missed by anybody that knew him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Larry was a very amazing man. I remember how we made each other laugh. I think I surprised him with my personal humor at times. He was my podiatrist but , first my friend. My mom was also his patient until his retirement. He was everything his obituary mentioned but much more. He is enjoying his place in Heaven and they are enjoying him!!
I am so sorry Larry and Rodney.
So sorry for Your loss. I was a class mate of Larrys in the Paris school dist. He was a fun and sweet guy.
Dr. Larry Connelley was a friend and professional associate for 58 years. His battle against cancer was heroic. Larry and Linda are an inspiration to both of us. He will be fondly remembered. We are happy that they found each other and had years of well deserved love and enjoyment together.
Allan & Laura Gold
Little Rock, AR.
2019
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Larry was truly a Paris guy & worked hard to make it a better place to live & raise a family. The family will be in my thoughts & prayers
Dr. Connelley was my parents & I Podiatrist for many years & he really did look after me, due to me being a diabetic. I really did miss him when he retired.
I will keep his family in my prayers. Such a caring man
Linda, Larry, Rodney... I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Doc Connelley was one of my favorite guys. In the years when I lived in Little Rock, he was like part of the family. I will never forget going through "Podiatry Assistant" training with my ex-wife, Rhonda or going to APMA" meetings. We had so many fun and engaging conversations over the years. Last time I was in Little Rock, we got together and it was like old times all over again. For all Christians the greatest blessing is knowing we never have to say good-bye for the last time!
The best doctor I ever had, he will be missed dearly. May god bless the family ðŸ™ðŸ¼
Saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. He was a sweet man and we always enjoyed hearing his stories when he stopped in to see us. So glad we got to know him! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss!!
Words Always Fail,
But Please Know,
You are In Our Thoughts & Prayers.
The World Is a Lesser Place Without Larry.
I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was a great guy. We shared a love of history. He will be missed.
What a wonderful man. Always had a smile and kind word. My condolences to Linda and the family.
A great doctor and friend. Condolences to Linda and the family.
Dr. Connelley-was a great Dr.and Friend - Linda an family you have my deepest sympathy. Love Vicky.
A great guy, always had a smile and kind words to say to people
We have known Larry all our lives. He was a visionary and a very compassionate person who always put others in front of himself. One of his greatest blessings was Linda who was by his side for better or worse throughout this journey. We extend our sympathy to all his family and many friends. He will be greatly missed.
Friends and family of Larry,
May he now rest in peace! He suffered enough while on earth.
Dr. Bunny Brown