On May 29, 1970, Larry married the love of his life and partner for 46 years, Carol Dee Jenkins, in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1975 their son, David was born on August 26. Exactly six years later, they had their daughter Leigh Ann. His extended family and many friends share with Carol, David and Leigh Ann in this sorrow but celebrate his life in Christ.
Larry grew up in Fort Worth, Texas where he graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1967. Being led to be a minister of God’s word, Larry attended Arlington Baptist College and Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri where he graduated in 1971. He later earned a Master of Arts Degree in Communication from Louisiana Baptist University and was conferred an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Sacramento Baptist college.
He began his 15-year ministry as Associate Pastor at Rolling Hills Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Subsequently, Larry pastored Central Baptist Church in Gainesville, Texas, Central Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas and became Associate Pastor at Berean Baptist Church in Mesquite. During those years, Larry made many life-long friends.
With his wonderful smile and effervescent personality, Larry was a perfect fit to join the Zig Ziglar Corporation for over a decade. For the last 15 years, he has worked for Brainier Solutions, formerly known as Total Training Network, gaining recognition year after year as one of their top salesmen.
Larry had a deep desire to teach others about the richness of the scriptures and the grace of a loving God who sent His Son so we might have eternal life in Him. Larry taught an adult Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church of Dallas. He not only taught about God’s grace, but he and Carol lived their lives to exemplify that grace. They made many close bonds with the members of that class that would last for decades.
In recent years, Larry and Carol joined Lifepointe Fellowship in McKinney, Texas. He provided invaluable support and frequent counsel to his pastor. It wasn’t long before he was leading a Life Group, and he never passed up an opportunity to preach when asked.
Larry loved hunting and fishing. In the fall, you could find him with his family on a lease in east Texas, hunting for that trophy deer. He never passed an opportunity to get on the lake with fishing gear. As much as he loved the fishing, he loved spending that time with his son, David and son-in-law, Patrick, or any number of good friends. Larry also loved to travel. Many of his vacations included a day of white water rafting and another day of guided fishing. He fished many waters, but fly-fishing for trout near Glacier National Park in Montana and reel fishing for salmon in remote Alaska were the highlights of his adventures.
Through his journey the past year and a half, Larry chose Isaiah 41:10 as his abiding strength. “So, do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” He held onto the promise and assurance of this verse even through his last weeks. He continually gave God the glory and praised Him for letting him be part of His sovereign will. Even to his last week, Larry prayed with his visitors, thanking God for them and asking Him to keep them safe in their travels.
Larry was born on July 13, 1949. He went to his heavenly home on April 13, 2017 at the age of 67. Larry was predeceased by his parents, L.D. and Dorothy Faye Metcalf and his brother-in-law, Rick Dixon. Survivors include his wife, Carol Metcalf of Allen, Texas, his son, David Metcalf of McKinney, Texas, daughter Leigh Ann Unkenholz and husband, Patrick of Richardson, Texas and his granddaughter Mariah Unkenholz. He is also survived by his siblings, Barbara Rains and husband Ernest of Allen, Texas, Donald Metcalf and wife Suzan of Springtown, Texas, and Dvonne Dixon of Garland, Texas, several nieces and nephews, and a host of other loving family and friends.
Larry Metcalf was a faithful husband and loving father, grandfather and brother. He was a kind and thoughtful friend to many, and he was diligent in his career. Above all, he lived a life of service to the Lord. We know God would say to him, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
The Metcalf family would like to thank the medical team who so ably assisted Larry. Many doctors, nurses and other staff members have touched his life. Several were a true blessing at the perfect time. Mariah was with him through many of his appointments. She offered medical care that only a precious granddaughter can give.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday, April 21, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Lifepointe Fellowship, 6374 County Road 161, McKinney, Texas, 75071.