Back to Obituaries Waters Funeral Home, Inc. | Franklin, TN

Larry Eugene Booker

Passed 12/18/2025

Obituary For Larry Eugene Booker

Larry Eugene “Jay" or "Jay Bird” Booker departed this life on December 18, 2025 at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, in Macon, GA. Larry was born, September 15, 1954 in Franklin TN, to the parents of M. A. McKissack and Katherine Booker.

Larry leaves to mourn his passing: devoted sister, Emma Booker; brothers, John (Beverly) Booker, Charles Henry Booker and devoted brother, Tony E. Terrell; devoted friends, Carl Steele, Willie Highsmith and Helen Highsmith; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Booker will lie in state on Friday, December 26, 2025 from 2 until 5 at the funeral home.

Visitation with family Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 1 until 2 at West Harpeth Primitive Baptist Church, 4141, Franklin, Tennessee with funeral to follow. Elder Jarrell Marable, officiating and Elder Bernard Jones, eulogist.

Interment Tuesday at 11:00 A.M., December 30, 2025 at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Pregam, Tennessee.


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Condolences & Tributes

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Larry I met you when I begin my journey getting sober. I thank you for your kindness to me and my family. You will truly be missed.

Anthony Wilson

It hurts so bad to know you're no longer with us. Thank You for being such a dear, dear friend. You are so missed. Rest in Glory! 😇 Love You Booker❤️

Carol Lawson Sumter SC

Carol Lawson

I met Booker in 2022. He was such a beautiful person. I truly will be missed. Jeannette English

Jeannette English

Larry and I were friends since 2001. He was the sweetest person you'd ever want to meet. I'll miss him dearly. sending Condolences and prayers to the family.

Yolanda Williams

Prayers and Love For The Family.... Mary Scruggs❤️🙏🏿

Mary Scruggs

We will miss you! The Hudson and Jackson Family! From Mayesville/Sumter SC! What a blessing it was to have met you! We shared good times together! (April Hudson)

Shalonda Hudson

To the family of Larry Booker aka Jay bird, our Heartfelt Sympathy. may he rest in eternal peace..

Fred Calvin Leach

My deepest condolences to the family of "Larry Eugene Booker." Booker, was my friend and my brother. He will truly be missed by all of his friends in North Carolina. Rest well until we all meet again. "Pete is waiting on you to join him again." Tonsie Pride in NC

Tonsie Pride

Condolences from The Hudson, Jackson and Lesane family from South Carolina.Larry and I worked together for 14 years at Sumter Behavioral Health ( Freedom House Drug Program) Larry was my dear and special friend , when I lost my niece , nephew and sister within weeks apart he spent every day with our family,he also was a pallbearer at my mother's funeral.My heart is broken.Larry became a part of our family. Larry loved every one and he loved his life . It's so hard for me to believe this. Only God knows Best

April Hudson

My sincere condolences to all the family may God continue bless you. From the Locke and Coffey family

Gwendolyn Coffey

Prayers of peace, comfort, and understanding unto the Booker Family and Friends. I'm so sorry for your loss. May God add an extra portion of grace and mercy during this trying time.!

Troy D Lane Atlanta,Georgia

troylane45@outlook.com

To the Booker Family,

I met Booker in 1974 at Holloman AFB. We had many good times together. It saddens my heart to hear of his passing. Sending prayers and condolences to his family to receive strength at this difficult time. Willie C. Gamble, Ret. USAF

Willie Gamble

Sending our condolences and prayers to Auntie Emma (Punkin) and the family. We love you!

LyRhonda and To’Sheana

To Booker family, my heart is broken,my sincere condolences.Never met a man with a heart as big as Mr.Booker. I will miss him so much. To GOD be the glory, will miss you my Brother,till we meet again in GLORY!!!! Sam & Deloris Brunson

Sam Brunson

To the Booker family, our days are filled with sadness but our hearts are full with joy from the relationship we had with Booker. From all the road trips and all the weekend golf outings, we had a great time. Booker was gonna supply the laughs. We're gonna miss our brother, but in time we'll be ok because at the end of sunset, we know he gave it all he had. We love you Bro.

Bubba & Eris Allen

TO THE BOOKER FAMILY, Our prayer's are with the family and friends of Booker.The life he lived touched so many lives .The love he had for others just like the smile that was placed upon his face not by man.Now he has found a place in the sun where there is hope for everyone ,we all got to find that place. We will remember the good times we had together.Look up to see the sun or stars and smile, his spirit is there . May God bless you Kent,Patricia,Leroy ,Elaine

KENT,PATRICIA,LEROY PENNIX

To the family, this is a tough one, but we have to continue to trust God! What a wonderful humble person Booker was. I shared many many Sunday dinners with big bro over at Willie and Helen Highsmith. We were also members of post 202 as well as comrades in the military. He will be truly missed. To his family, you all have my deepest sympathy, condolences and prayers. Rest well Larry Booker!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💔🙏🏾

Gwen Cofield

In loving remembrance of a beautiful soul. You were a true friend—kind, genuine, and deeply loved. Your laughter, your strength, and the way you showed up for others will never be forgotten. Though you are no longer with us, your spirit lives on in the memories we carry and the love you left behind. Rest peacefully. You will always be remembered.

-Teresa Wells Sumter SC

Teresa Wells

Extending condolences to the Family in their time of Bereavement.

Gloria Patterson-Webster

Will miss you Godfather. Good man

Calvin Cunningham

Mr. Booker was like an uncle to me. He's been part of the family for many years and he's watched my daughter grow up who's now 19. His laugh was infectious and his spirit will live on. I miss him dearly and my entire family has lost a loved family member. My entire family will miss you Mr. Booker and I'm grateful he was a part of our lives.

Anjaneen Parkmond (Highsmith)

Condolences to the Booker family during this time of profound loss. Another cherished link in our September Birthday chain has gone on to rest, and Larry will be truly missed. The Sumter Family, a tight-knit community, feels this loss deeply — his laughter, his presence, and the joy he carried wherever he went touched the lives of so many. Booker was an exceptional copilot, navigator, entertainer, and self-motivated self-starter who excelled in every aspect of his entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly in utilizing every instrument in his band, a one-person band with a diverse range of sounds.

May the memories he created continue to warm our hearts and remind us of the light he shared so freely. Praying for strength, comfort, and peace for the entire Tennessee and Sumter family as we honor a life that meant so much to so many.

Nikkie W.

To my Dad from your kids-Farontha, James and I will miss you, Sorry we didn't get to finish our phone conversation-Beverly Holliday

Beverly Holliday-daughter

Rest in glory my friend. You will be missed 😢 💔 ❤️ 🙏

Astrid Ryan

My deepest condolences to the family of Larry "Booker" Booker. Booker meant so much to the Sumter community and to the close‑knit circle of friends who shared life with him. He will truly be missed.

He brought us countless laughs, unforgettable moments, and a sense of togetherness that only he could create. To many of us, he was a big brother, an uncle, and a steady presence we could always count on.

We hate to see him go, but we trust that God needed him more. May he bring the same joy to heaven that he brought to all of us here on earth.

We love you, Booker. Your memory will live on in every smile you helped create.

Terrance & Wendy Colclough (Sumter Crew)

Terrance Colclough

Condolences to the Family in the loss of your love one 🙏🏿

Dwight W and Peggy J Coffee

I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Booker. His love and presence brought so much light into our life, and the lives of others. Booker memory will forever live on in our hearts, and in the cherished moments we shared. I can't begin to imagine the pain your family is feeling. Booker love and friendship was a gift to all who knew him. Please accept Erica and I deepest condolences. Booker was truly a brother from another mother. He will be truly missed 😪

Loretta Smith and Erica Smith-Wilkerson

Loretta Smith

To the Booker Family. First and foremost my prayers go out to the family during this heartfelt time. I met Booker over 30 years ago. He was such a nice person with a beautiful smile and a good sense of humor. He loved to dance and was light as a butterfly on his feet. I am going to miss that. RIP my friend. I will always miss you. True Virgo Friends

Annetta Willis

To the family I send my heartfelt condolences along with love and healing prayers RIHP Jaybird you will never be forgotten.

Marilyn Jordan

To the Booker family. We send our deepest condolences for the loss of a very precious soul. He was a beautiful person. His heart was as big as the world. We already miss you Baby Brother. The Ponderosa is not the same. My ride now is different. Our Sunday Dinners will not be the same. We thank the Lord for our special time with you. We will always remember you and your kindness. Thanks for the memories Willie & Helen❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Willie & Helen Highsmith

Family, I offer my sincerest condolences to you during this time. Larry Eugene Booker, My Brother you would always have smile on your face that was infectious to all around. Sleep In Peace My Brother

D Conrad Doctor

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Waters Funeral Home, Inc. | Franklin, TN

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