Larry D. Stair
- Larry D. Stair, 88, died peacefully at home on March 31, 2024, with his wife, Amanda by his side. He leaves behind a legacy of adventure, camaraderie, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. Larry was born on June 28, 1935, in Harriman, TN. He spent his childhood living on his grandfather’s dairy farm in Dyllis, TN prior to moving to Knoxville in his teens. He graduated from East High School and joined the Army, he served in the 709th Military Police battalion in Germany. After leaving the Army, Larry graduated from Carson Newman in 1960. While at college, he met Amanda Newman, who visited Carson Newman to give a musical performance. They were married in October of 1959 and celebrated 64 years of marriage this past year.
He worked in the insurance industry for many years, most recently as a Commercial Insurance Broker with Sedgewick James. After retirement, Larry continued to play poker with a group of his old college friends for many years. He and Amanda enjoyed camping in Elkmont with their children, grandchildren, and friends. He loved to share the history of the Elkmont area with visitors and advise them on the best hikes and views… whether they asked for it or not. He and Amanda shared a love of travel and visited all the major National Parks. They took trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada, but his greatest joy was being with his grandchildren and watching them grow into the young adults they are today.
Larry was active in the Old Westmoreland neighborhood off Westland Drive. He served as the President of the Homeowners Association and, for many years, oversaw the annual lighting of the giant spruce Christmas tree. He spent several years playing Santa Claus for the neighborhood tree lighting until one of his grandchildren noticed Santa’s strong resemblance to their “Poppy”. Larry said he had been “deputized” by Santa to represent him. Just one of the many tall tales he liked to tell.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Crystal Stair and son Curtis Stair. He is survived by his wife, Amanda, and their children, Parker Stair (Karen), Julia Gouffon (Chuck), Laura Shoffner (Mark), all in Knoxville and his grandchildren, Sierra Stair, Logan Stair, Benjamin Gouffon, Grace Shoffner and Lucas Shoffner. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Speers and her children, David Moore and Meredith Moore James. Though he may have departed from this earth, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A special thank you to the care staff at Parkwest, Westmoreland Health and Rehab, and the Angels of UT Hospice who took care of him in his final weeks and days. A private military service will be held at East TN Veterans Cemetery on Lyons View Pike. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home at 5315 Kingston Pike from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please leave memories of Larry at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Friends of the Smokies.