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In memory of

Larry Meador

Cleveland, TN, USA

September 4, 1953 - January 16, 2021

Sep 4, 1953 - Jan 16, 2021

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Larry E Meador
09/04/1953 - 01/16/2021

Earlier this year, the world lost a man of many talents and a storied history that he was always more than willing to share openly. While many of these seemingly tall tales may have seemed far fetched, it is no understatement to say that Larry lived his life to the fullest, followed his dreams and touched the lives of everyone he met in some way. Oftentimes these encounters were indeed life changing for those who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

Dubbed “Crazy Larry” by many of his friends, his life was truly proof that often reality can indeed be stranger than fiction. Over the course of his 67 years he lived what most would view as many lifetimes, and in the process cheated death more times than could be counted. He served his country as a Marine, including intense duties in the Middle East resulting in his own capture and imprisonment as a POW. Upon returning to the states, he dabbled in the corporate world for some time before realizing life was too short to spend it in a career for which he had no passion.

The mountains called, and he had to go. And nestled within those mountains Larry explored and experienced the majestic beauty behind the treacherous waters fighting their way from the mountaintops to the rivers below as they crashed and squeezed their way through narrow gorges creating the beautiful symphony of senses and emotions we call whitewater.

And it was with the river his soul was pulled and lived for the rest of his days. As a kayaker, he was known for his crazy antics and often death-defying feats. Then as a raft guide, he spent over 20 years sharing his love for whitewater with tens of thousands of thrill-seeking adventurers. His passion was not only the river, but in sharing those experiences with folks, often opening their eyes to the unique experiences that can only be achieved deep within a mountain gorge. Many of these such experiences ignited a flame that led to many life-long lovers of whitewater paddling.

Later in life, Larry met the love of his life, Terry. It was with Terry, his often restless soul finally rested and they lived together happily for 20 years just minutes from the Ocoee River. He was an animal lover who rescued many dogs and gave them a home. Naturally, he was also an expert marksman - with the unique ability to hit nearly any target without an aim. Meanwhile one of his favorite hobbies was crafting unique jewelry that was both artistic and rare. Larry never missed an opportunity to challenge people’s perceptions about, really, anything. Some may say he loved to mess with people, and they’d probably be right, but he normally had a lesson embedded within those stories. They were lessons of inclusion, broad thinking, and behind his often gruff demeanor, above all, he loved people and wanted them to know that. From the underpaid waiter at a restaurant to the lady who couldn’t afford her groceries to feed her children, Larry would often go without himself to take care of others whether it be through imparting knowledge or with a helping hand.

Please join us on Saturday, April 10th as we honor the life and legacy of Larry. True to his wishes and passions, he will be honored with a memorial paddle through the Middle Ocoee. Meet at the put-in at 11am if you’d like to join. Later in the day, please join us for a celebration of his life at Rock/Creek Ocoee beginning at 4:30pm EDT.

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Larry was my cousin on my mom's side of the family. I was closer to his younger brother Micky than I was Larry. I als…

Larry was my cousin on my mom's side of the family. I was closer to his younger brother Micky than…

Larry was my cousin on my mom's side of the family. I was close…

I learned from Larry a lot !! He was my neighbor he taught me to learn to respect myself and not to be scared to stand …

I learned from Larry a lot !! He was my neighbor he taught me to learn to respect myself and not to…

I learned from Larry a lot !! He was my neighbor he taught me to…

My condolences to the family and anyone who knew Larry. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed!
Rest easy, Larry…