Larry Large of Ada, OK, died Wednesday Jan. 4, following a brief illness. Born in Oakland, Calif., on Aug. 28, 1940, he called Ada his home for most of his life.

A 1958 graduate of McLish High School in Fittstown, he married Carol Cash on Nov. 7, 1959. Over the years, they lived in Ada, Elmore City, Noble and Franklin, TN.

He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from East Central University. He began his career as a high school football coach and teacher in Elmore City, and was a football coach, teacher and administrator for many years in Noble, OK. In addition, he worked several years as a school administrator in Fittstown, Stratford, Konawa and Williamson County Schools in Franklin, TN, where he retired in 2002 and moved back to Ada.

He was the band leader, drummer and singer for the Country Lancers, the house band at Ken Lance Sports Arena for many years. He also was the band leader for the McSwingers at the McSwain Theatre in Ada. During these years he began mentoring Blake Shelton and in 1994 moved Blake to Nashville to begin his career. Later, he worked with Blake as his tour merchandise manager.

One of the highlights of Larry's life was being asked by Blake to induct him into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2014.

Larry is survived by his wife, Carol, of the home; daughters Deborah Large of Ada, and Patricia Binger and her husband, David, of Midlothian, Texas; sister Linda McGaha and her husband, Mike, of Ada; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The service celebrating Larry's life will be 10 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2023 at Crosspointe Church in Ada. Serving as pallbearers will be Clint McGaha, Matt McGaha, Jeff McGaha, Barry Cash, Brody Walton, Denver Davison III, Caleb McGaha and Jeremy Walton. Honorary bearers will be Blake Shelton, Gil Ragland, Farrell Large, Byron Auten, Bob Auten, Billy Burt, Mike McGaha, Charlie Archer, Wayne Morton, Sid Manuel, Furman Huff, and David Binger.

The family requests donations may be made in Larry's name to the East Central University Football Development Fund through the East Central University Foundation at 1100 E. 14 ^th , PMB Y-8, Ada, OK, 74820 or call 580-559-5590.