Former MLGW president, influential philanthropist Larry Papasan dies at 81
Contributed to numerous Memphis organizations
Larry Wayne Papasan came from a “humble rural background,” according to his obituary.
He died having left a significant impact on some of Memphis' most powerful and important institutions, impacting the direction of the city before his death at 81 on May 1.
Born in 1940 in rural Pinedale, Mississippi, Papasan arrived in Memphis after graduating from Mississippi State University with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, according to his obituary.
His first job after college was as an engineer at Memphis, Light, Gas and Water. From there, he advanced to become executive vice president in 1982 and president and CEO in 1984, a position he held until 1991.
“MLGW was greatly blessed to have Mr. Papasan as a former president. He served on the interview panel during the process for my selection. Since then, he frequently provided me with wise, measured counsel and I will be forever grateful for his leadership and his willingness to help me transition into this role,” said MLGW President and CEO J.T. Young.
At MLGW, he redirected the division toward its primary mission as a distributor of electricity, natural gas and water.
After retiring from MLGW, Papasan became president of the Smith & Nephew Ortho Division, leading to sales increasing by more than 100% and profitability increasing 15% year over year. After his retirement in 2002, he continued as a director and lobbyist for Smith & Nephew for three more years.
The organizations to which he contributed were numerous, ranging from the Memphis Kiwanis Club, the Memphis Engineers Club to the United Way of Greater Memphis.
He also was passionate about fundraising for local nonprofits, including Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and the Church Health Center.
In 2007, he was the first executive director of the Shelby Farms Park
Conservancy, acting in an interim capacity.
Jen Andrews, chief executive officer of the conservancy, said she remembers those early days and will always think of Papasan's generosity, discipline and kindness.
“Building the scaffolding that's necessary to run a great organization is not easy, and he certainly had done plenty of that work over his career,” Andrews said. “So, he was able to help us prepare our business for the work ahead. He was also very intent on sincere public engagement, being connected to the people who use the park, listening to their voices, making sure everybody felt included. That was very important to him.”
Papasan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dianne Miller Papasan' a daughter, Jan Papasan Mars, and her husband; and their three children.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. May 20 at the Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar Ave. A second visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 21, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at East Shelby Church of Christ in Collierville.
Katherine Burgess covers county government and religion. She can be reached at katherine.burgess@commercialappeal.com, 901-529-2799 or followed on Twitter @kathsburgess.