Larry Sherman Covey, 79

Larry Sherman Covey, 79, of Crittenden, Kentucky left this world to be with God at 8:45am on Tuesday, Dec. 5. He lost a short, intense battle with pancreatic cancer. His last days were spent at St. Elizabeth Hospice Care in Edgewood where his pain could be controlled and loved ones could be with him through the night as well as during the day.

Larry was born on Sept. 24, 1944, in Montgomery County to the late Ervin Bay Covey and Lula Mae O’Hara Covey. Larry was one of 10 children. Larry served in the U.S Army during the Vietnam War. He was proud of his service but kept his memories very private.

After returning from his military service, he married his sweetheart, Nancy Mineer-Rimer, on Nov. 22, 1967. They were married for 55 years.

Larry went on to work for Phillips Driscopipe/Chevron Phillips Chemical in a variety of positions, retiring from his position as production supervisor. During his 32 year career, he led his team to peak performance and was recognized many times for his ideas to improve the production process. He enjoyed mentoring employees and seeing them grow and develop. He developed lifelong friendships along the way.

Larry retired at 57 and then pursued many interests. Of course, he bought the tools necessary to develop the interests. His woodworking resulted in many beautiful pieces, including a cradle and highchair that were used by both of his grandchildren.

He developed a love for clocks and many friends and family members own one (or more!) of his clocks. He and Nancy became involved in taking their creations to craft fairs. In Larry’s closet, there are still some blue ribbons on items he created. He was always more than willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn how to use his tools and create their own projects.

Gardening was one of Larry’s passions. He didn’t like to plant before May 15, and he liked to plant in STRAIGHT rows. He grew corn and tomatoes and peppers and cucumbers and green beans and beets. He loved sharing the bounty with family and friends. He also knew how to turn those vegetables into beet pickles and salsa and tomato sauce.

Larry enjoyed watching NASCAR races and football. He loved fishing with his brothers and feeding and watching birds. He could beat anybody at Spider Solitaire.

He did lots of cooking for his large family and the large family of his wife. He would make the best biscuits and gravy in the world and made chicken and dumplings from his mother’s recipe. He later gave guidance to his grandson Rex in an effort to keep the tradition alive of having them at every major event.

Larry loved vintage “hot rod” cars and eventually purchased a 1955 Chevy Bel Air that he loved to cruise around in.

Larry’s life changed when his two grandchildren were born. He played Legos by the hour; he colored with them; he laughed with them; he had picnics with them; he taught them how to plant the garden; he took them to McDonald’s for treats; he took them to school and picked them up after school; he was so proud of them. “Papaw Larry” loved them!

Larry’s life was further enhanced with the addition of two Shih Tzu puppies, Bella and Biscuit. He spent a LOT of time cuddling and caring for them.

In addition to his wife of 55 years, Larry is survived by his sons Todd Covey of Crittenden and Donald Rimer of Union; two sisters: Sue Blackney (late Jim) and Helen (Jess) Lawson; three brothers: Donnie (Alice) Covey, Bobby (Beverly) Covey, and Denny (Kay) Covey; and sisters-in-law: Sue Covey and Patricia Covey. Two grandchildren also survive: his beloved Courtney Covey and Rex Covey. He was preceded in death by four brothers: Mickey Covey, Rickey Covey, David Covey and Merle Covey; parents, Bay and Lula Covey and sisters-in-law Linda Covey and Lucille Covey. In addition to his birth family, Larry functioned as “big brother” to Nancy’s siblings and uncle to her niece and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at My Old Kentucky Barn at 314 South Main Street, Williamstown on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m. for family and friends. A private graveside service will be scheduled at a later date. He will be interred in Hillcrest Cemetery in Dry Ridge.