of Little Rock, AR
June 15, 1944 - September 29, 2012
Larry J. Farrar, 68, passed away on September 29, 2012 with family by his side in Little Rock, AR.
Born June 15, 1944 to Roy and Velma Farrar in El Dorado, KS, Larry spent his collegiate years in Texas, where he was a star baseball and football player.
Always having a love for music (he once sang at the White House by personal request of President Johnson), Larry moved to New York City in 1967 to pursue his singing career. His operatic and musical theater talents put him on the touring circuit. From leading roles in La Boheme and Dialogue of the Carmelites to Annie Get Your Gun, Oklahoma and Carousel. He worked with both Boris Gadolfsky of the Met and Maestro Lazlo Halasz of the NYC Opera.
Desiring a more stable environment for his family, he moved to Indianapolis, IN in 1980 where he started a career in hotel management with Holiday Inn and then Embassy Suites Hotel.
Enormously successful, Larry was appointed to several hotels nationwide to improve profitability...amongst the various locations were San Antonio, TX, Nashville, TN and Dallas, TX.
Little Rock, AR has been home for the past 10 years where Larry has managed the Embassy Suites hotel and most recently, the Hilton (Peabody Corp).
Larry had an avid love of golf and has played on some of the most reputable courses across the country, noted in several publications for obtaining a hole in one. A highlight for him was having the opportunity to play with Tom Kite.
An athlete and an adventurer, Larry was a hiking explorer and major cyclist (riding from NY to Maine on more than one occasion).
Larry loved politics and was a devout democrat and zealous supporter of National Public Radio (NPR).
Larry was active in many organizations including the Arkansas Hospitality Association, Arkansas Lodging Association (President), Central Arkansas Executives Association, and was a loyal member of the Little Rock Touchdown Club.
Larry is survived by his wife Anne; daughter Kimsley Of Indianapolis, IN; sisters Judy Feuss of Port Washington, NY and Janet Wilson of Malakoff, TX; step daughter Kathleen Ligon (Chris); step grandchildren Virgina, June and Lillian; and many adoring friends, extended family and co-workers.
A memorial service will be held at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300 on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Family will receive friends after the service.
Memorials may be made to Winthrop P. Rockerfeller Cancer Institute. 4301 W. Markham Street # 716,Little Rock,AR 72205. or Friends of KUAR-KLRE Public Radio. 5820 Asher Ave. Ste. # 400, Little Rock, AR 72204
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38 Condolence(s)
Elizabeth Willis
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Anne and family,
I heard about Larry when he sang for President Johnson and all the accolades about his deep molatic voice. I’m sending many prayers for you and your family though it’s years to late, prayers have no expiration dateðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸŒº
Elizabeth
Robert Torchia
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
I am very sorry to hear about Larry. I knew him as a good friend years ago in New York when he was pursuing a career as an opera tenor. He was a great cyclist and tennis player. Given his size and strength it was scary being on the receiving end of his serve. He was a great fellow and will be missed.
Dennis Hale
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Anne - I just heard about Larry's passing and would like to reach out to express my condolences. I am deeply saddened and I sincerely hope this is not too late to reach you. Larry was a great friend in the business and was always there to help when needed. Larry and I talked of being good ole boys with Embassy Suites because of our years with the Brand and please know he was always one of the "good guys"! He and I bonded well during our Excellence In Management class years ago during the Holiday Corp days as we were of few who were outspoken about our concerns regarding direction our Brand was going at that time (shocking). For those who knew Larry, he spoke about his concerns because of his love and passion for the HOSPITALITY business. I loved hearing him sing, usually impromptu, and also his laugh, which was deep and booming. Although very sad now, be assured that as time marches on, your remembrances will be of the good times and the great things that defined Larry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time... Sincerely, Dennis
Joe Coursolle
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Dear Ann,
I just learned of Larry's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was an incredable man that touched so many people's lives. Many of us would not be in our positions today without the leadership and kindness Larry gave us. I enjoyed talking to Larry about elections , music and of course golf. I have him to thank for introducing me to the game. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Virginia Bland
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Anne,
I was very sorry to hear about Larry. I had so enjoyed meeting and visiting with him at your house; he was such a lovely addition to the Burnett family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Virginia Bland
Carrie Bellm
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Anne and Family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Larry several years during the time he was at the Little Rock Embassy Suites. Such a great person that I was blessed to share time with over the years. I will hold him and the family close in prayers.
Marion White
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Anne,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. It seems that too many members of our class have had to deal with death in their families lately.
I wanted you to know that our prayers are with you during this time.
James Edward Wall
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Larry Joe and my father Edward Ernest Wall are first cousins. My Grandma WALL was Larry Joe's Aunt Jeanetta WALL Dad is too far long the Alzheimer's path to pay respects himself any longer so I do so on his behalf with the knowledge Dad would, if he could. RIP Cousin Larry Joe FARRAR.
And any FARRAR side relatives should be forever grateful to Larry Joe FARRAR for providing a DNA sample to the FARRAR DNA project. Thank you Larry.
Chuck Engelhardt
Friday, October 5, 2012
Dear Anne,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are truly a dear friend and our thoughts are with you and your family. Larry will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful friend, business associate and golf partner.
Barbara & Bill George
Friday, October 5, 2012
Anne,
Barbara and I are so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Larry with that infectious smile. We love you so much..
Lynn E. McBride
Thursday, October 4, 2012
We were only three weeks apart in age and grew up together in the First Baptist Church. His sister's will remember.
Our prayers are with the family.
Lynn and Karen McBride
Mary Riddle
Thursday, October 4, 2012
To Larry's Family,
I was sorry to hear this sad news. Larry was may supervisor when I was employed at Embassy Suites Little Rock. He was truly a remarkable person and amazed me with his exceptional ability to take any situation and turn it from bad to good with his winning smile and kind words. I admired him and can truly say that he will be missed by everyone. He called me Miss 9:15 sometimes, but I call him "Friend". I pray that God will be with you all during this most difficult time.
Mary Riddle
Steve Glenn
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Anne, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sam Cicero
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Our deepest symapthy to you and your family Anne.
Sam
Gordon Rostvold
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Dear Anne and Family,
My sincere sympathy for your loss.
I truly valued Larry's friendship and always admired his leadership as a true hospitality professional.
Sincerely,
Gordon Rostvold
Nancy Homan Smith
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I worked for Larry at the Holiday Inn in Indianapolis and then later at the Embassy Suites North in Indianapolis. He was a wonderful boss and just a very kind, caring person. He once got my parents a beautiful hotel room when they were traveling out west for their anniversary. They still talk about how fancy the room was and how nice Larry was to do that for them. I was sad to hear of his passing and so impressed when I read his obituary. I had no idea he possessed so much talent! May God bless his family during this sad time and may they feel comforted by the many lives he touched.
Wayne Taylor
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Our prayers are with you,Larry will be missed greatly,he was always positive and a true blessing to know.
Wendy Bercovitz
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
My deepest sympathies are with the Farrar family. You are in my prayers. Everytime Larry would visit us here at The Peabody he always had a great smile and kind words to share. He will truly be missed. Heaven has received a great man.
Virginia Robertson
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Judy and Janet,
I can't imagine how hard it is to loose a brother. I am thinking of you today. I hope Paul will be a comfort to you. Wish I could be there.
My fondest memories of Larry are our double dates in high school. He used to set me up with the cutest boys, his friends.
Once when I visited Farrars on spring break in Channelview, Aunt Velma sewed me a white brocade coat to wear on a formal double date that Larry set up for a fancy evening. I had my senior picture taken in that coat.
Larry always had a big smile, a deep laugh and a positive attitude. He was always fun to be around and added joy to the world.
Larry will be missed.
Virginia
Frank, Florence & Michell Smith
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family. We will miss Larry and keep fund memories of the times and experiences we had together.
Rev. Robert Schilling
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Larry was baritone soloist in our professional quartet at North United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, where I was organist/choirmaster/associate pastor. We remember him as a fine singer.and gracious, congenial person. He once treated me and my wife to a weekend in the Embassy Suites to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Our deepest condolences to Anne, Kimsley & family. —Rita & Bob Schilling
Officer David Prince
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I will miss Larry dearly. He was always very courteous to me and was always quick with a hand shake. As a Police Officer, I am trained on how to deal with people and their different behavior but with Larry, He was my teacher and always had encouraging words to say. He was what I called a true friend.
Jim
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
So sorry to hear. Can't help but smile thinking about such great guy.
Victor Davis
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Anne,
Words can't express how sorry I am for your loss. I too count it as a loss as Larry was like a father to so many. I had the pleasure to work with Larry for more than 7 years and considered it a blessing. I am praying for you
Marilyn Dickinson Miller
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Anne and Family - I met Larry through the early years of The Little Rock Touchdown Club and felt like I had known him forever. He is one of a kind and you and family are so blessed to have really known him. Larry and I loved those Hogs, the hospitality of sharing with friends, and the love for Music. I do not doubt that he is singing not with, by to the angels, and Heaven will never be the same. God Bless you All. Love, Marilyn D. Miller
Clorissa Prince
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I worked for Larry at Hilton. He was an amazing man, always had a smile on face and a song in his heart. It was his nature to make you feel comfortable, successful and important. I remember the first lunch with the Perbody Corp team, he was more excited to have me tell about myself in the introductions that I was. He lead by example and what an example he left for all of us! He will be dearly missed.
Jack Marraccini
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Anne, Marianne and I have such wonderful memories of Larry from our annual visits to Dallas for the FelCor Christmas parties. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family ... J&M
EZRA TODD SHELTON
Monday, October 1, 2012
I met Larry in Cinncinatti on a live television show back in the late 70's . He was part of the touring company of "Oklahoma'..later that night I ran into him in Indianapolis...We remained friends from that point on...all the paths he took professionally, he seemed to conquer and excel..He was a talented singer among other things;... I am proud to have been his friend and he will be missed ... My condolences to all the family he leaves behind..."Happy Trails 'Sherlock".....
Milton Lueken
Monday, October 1, 2012
I first met Larry through my employment as an attorney with the Alcoholic Beverage control. We soon discovered that we had several interests in common, including golf at Hot Springs Village and similar political philosophies. Larry, Jeff Pence, Gary Jefferson and I sat together at every Touchdown Club meeting for the past several years. He was a kindrid spirit and I will miss him and his great smile.
Marita & Jim Thelen
Monday, October 1, 2012
Ann,
You have our deepest sympathy. We thought the world of Larry.
Felicia Rowe
Monday, October 1, 2012
to the wife and family, we all share in your time and grief and the loss of a wonderful friend
Debbie Feldman
Monday, October 1, 2012
Dear Anne, I am so sorry. You have lost a wonderful partner and we have lost an incredibly passionate, talented friend and democrat! I so clearly remember meeting Larry for the first time when he was the GM at Indy downtown ES. I always hoped I too one day could earn and deserve such a spectacular assignment. Larry's sense of humor and laugh were completely infectious.
I will miss him and my thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.
Tyler Husser
Monday, October 1, 2012
Had the opportunity to work for such a great and well respected person while crossing paths with Larry when I worked with him at the Hilton. My deepest sympathy for his family and friends alike. God Bless!
Anne Fuller
Monday, October 1, 2012
I have worked with Larry in the hospitality industry for many year. His beautiful smile and welcoming nature made him a jewel in the industry. Most recently his membership in CAEA has allowed me to see him on a weekly basis up until the time of his illness. We will miss you Larry!
Tom Corcoran
Monday, October 1, 2012
A great man who inspired many. His leadership in the industry and passion was felt by everyone. I will remember with great fondness having known Larry. My thoughts and prayers to Ann.
Ann Higginbotham
Monday, October 1, 2012
Anne and Family: My sincere sympathy for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Know that many love and support you in this most difficult time. Ann
Scott Schuh
Monday, October 1, 2012
I got to know Larry through the Central Arkansas Executives Association he was a member of. Always a big smile and firm handshake each meeting. Though his last event was some months ago, I distinctly remember our last meeting and he still had that great smile and firm handshake. I wish I'd gotten to play a round of golf with him (came close once.) Larry is an inspiration to all of one who holds his head up high during the toughest of challenges. Many CAEA thoughts are with his wife and family at this sad time.
Tom Mitchell
Monday, October 1, 2012
To Anne and the family: It was my joy and privilege to know Larry over the past eight years. We met on a putting green of all things! As an organizer of golf tournaments, I could always depend on Larry to help out. He often donated rooms at either the Embassy Suites or the Hilton for golfers who came to tournaments from out of town.
When he told me of his onset of cancer I was shocked, but Larry always took it in stride. Throughout his battle I never heard him complain.
He was indeed a gentleman and had the greatest smile. He will be missed...not just by us who were friends or family...but by the community in which he had such a tremendous impact.
Our prayers are for the family during this time of loss.