James Larry Orr left this world to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 7, 2020. He was born October 7, 1952, in Malvern, Arkansas, to Anna Orr Lee Butler and Lee Andrew Orr.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his two stepfathers, Lilburn Lee and Jack Butler, his brother, Tommy, and sister, Linda.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 36 years, Tami, and his six children—Alex (Kayla) Orr, Kaley (Cole) Melton, Lindsay (Aaron) Morton, Canon Orr, Caroline Orr, and Madison Orr. He also leaves three grandsons who thought Gampa hung the moon—Aiden Melton, Eli Morton and Matthew Morton. Larry had many friends who loved him, but none like Bobby and Judy Calhoon. He said no one had a better mother-in-law than he did and Pat would be the first to tell you that she loved him just as much as her own children. Their bond grew stronger when she sold her house and moved into a house in Larry and Tami’s back yard. He drove Pat to her church, Adams Chapel Baptist in Chidester every Sunday for a couple of years before he decided that it wasn’t just her church but his as well. He loved all of the members just like family. He will also be greatly missed by his dog, Lucy, and his “granddogs”, Bella, Benji, Sophie, Paisley, Copper, and Blue.
Larry was a unique guy. His work ethic was unsurpassed. His work career began in Malvern at Keeney’s Grocery Store. He then went to work at various Western Sizzlin’ Steakhouses around the state starting with Malvern, then Magnolia where he met Tami, then Hope, Batesville, and back to Hope. He always said a job worth doing was worth doing well. He was a tough boss with high expectations for all who worked for him, but many former employees came back years later to tell him what an impact he had made on their lives. Larry has stayed busy in his retirement growing and selling watermelons with his dear friend, Bobby, and delivering cars for Hope Auto where he made many friends.
Larry and Tami had a love like no other. She went to work for him as a waitress at Western Sizzlin’ where they butted heads often. Tami thought he was way too bossy and he thought she was way too stubborn. But it wasn’t long before they realized they were meant to be together. After only a couple of dates and a short engagement, they married in 1984. Their children are living proof of their love for each other. Larry was so proud of each of his children. He taught them to love the Lord and to not forget that they were God’s children first but “Orr’s” second and that was a name to be proud of. Any time any of them messed up, they knew they were in for a very long “talk” with Dad where Dad did a lot of talking and they did a lot of listening. He instilled his values in them which they will in turn share with their children and his legacy will continue.
Graveside service will be held 2:00pm Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Reddick Cemetery in Camden. Davis Johnson will officiate under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home Hope.
Visitation will begin at 1:00pm before the service under the pavilion at the cemetery.
We also invite you to express your public condolences at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com or private Letters of Love at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com/page/letters-of-love.